Been There – Temuco

Due to its scarcity, it was not easy to obtain photos of the recently released Been There Temuco mug. Many thanks to a friend of this blog for kindly providing them.

Temuco is a city in southern Chile known as a gateway to the Araucania region, an area rich in Mapuche heritage and dramatic natural landscapes. Founded in 1881 during the expansion of the Chilean frontier, the city developed as a commercial and cultural center surrounded by forests, rivers, and volcanoes.… Read more

Been There – Phnom Penh

It was not particularly easy to find pictures of the Been There Phnom Penh mug, likely due to its scarcity. I am lucky to have the ornament in my collection, which I reviewed here.

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city and cultural heart, with a history shaped by royal heritage, river trade, and resilience through centuries of change. Located at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, the city has long been a center of political power and daily life.… Read more

Been There – Goiânia

Been There Goiânia mug is a fascinating piece that, it seems, was never officially released. According to the information available, Starbucks cancelled plans to open a store in Goiânia, Brazil, three years ago. Despite this, a mug had already been designed for the store’s launch, and some of these prototypes appear to have made their way into private collections. This is the only image of the mug that I was able to find.

Goiânia was founded in 1933 as a planned city to serve as the new capital of Goiás state, replacing the colonial town of Goiás.… Read more

Been There – Perth

Starbucks Been There Perth is probably the last mug from Australia released in this series, and I feel like a new collection will emerge in the Land Down Under very soon.

Perth emerged as Western Australia’s capital following the establishment of the Swan River settlement in 1829, a bold colonial venture shaped as much by ambition as by isolation. Unlike many Australian cities founded through penal systems, Perth began as a civilian settlement and later relied on transported convicts in the mid-19th century to build roads, ports, and public works.… Read more

Been There – Malacca

Since I could find good pictures of the Been There Malacca mug, I suggest you check out this post about the ornament for this Malaysian city that I have in my collection. In terms of the design, they are very similar.

Malacca, officially known as Melaka, is one of Malaysia’s most historically significant cities, shaped by centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange. Founded in the early 15th century as a Malay sultanate, it rose quickly as a major port along the Strait of Malacca, drawing traders from China, India, the Middle East, and Europe.… Read more

Been There – Bangkok

Been There Bangkok is a mug for a city where ancient temples, bustling waterways, vibrant street life, and modern energy come together at the heart of Thailand. You might also like this article about the Bangkok ornament.

Bangkok has grown from a riverside trading settlement into Thailand’s capital over more than two centuries. Founded as the capital in 1782 under King Rama I, the city became the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country. Its history is closely tied to the Chao Phraya River, which supported commerce, royal ceremonies, and daily life, shaping the city’s layout and identity, which continues today.… Read more

Been There – Pune

A blog reader shared pictures of yet another release from India. Been There Pune has a minimalistic design and, as usual, features the symbols and landmarks of the city.

Pune’s history dates back over a millennium, although it gained prominence in the 17th century when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established it as a key Maratha stronghold. The city became the seat of the Peshwa rulers in 1714, transforming into the de facto capital of the Maratha Empire. British colonial rule brought military cantonments and educational institutions that earned Pune the title “Oxford of the East.” The city played a significant role in India’s independence movement, producing freedom fighters and social reformers.… Read more

Been There – Kolkata

Been There Kolkata is a mug for a major cultural and historical city in eastern India, known for its colonial heritage, art, and literature.

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911, growing from a small trading post into a major imperial city. The British East India Company established its presence in the late 1600s, transforming the area into a commercial hub. Kolkata became the center of the Bengal Renaissance in the 19th century, producing literary giants, reformers, and artists who shaped modern Indian culture.… Read more

Been There – Antofagasta

Been There Antofagasta is the latest release from Chile.

The Antofagasta Region in northern Chile takes its name from the port city of Antofagasta, with the word likely derived from indigenous languages meaning “hidden town” or referring to copper deposits. Spanish colonial presence remained limited in this harsh desert until the 19th century, when mining operations discovered vast nitrate and copper deposits. The region was originally part of Bolivia until the War of the Pacific (1879-1884) resulted in Chile annexing the territory, gaining access to valuable mineral resources.… Read more

Been There – Coquimbo

Been There Coquimbo is mug for a vibrant Chilean port city known for its colorful hills, rich maritime heritage, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. I would like to thank the follower of our blog for the photos of this beautiful mug.

The Coquimbo Region in north-central Chile takes its name from the Coquimbo Bay and the city of Coquimbo, with “Coquimbo” likely derived from indigenous Diaguita words meaning “place of calm waters.” Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1540s, establishing La Serena in 1544 as Chile’s second-oldest city and a strategic point along the route to Peru.… Read more

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