Been There Collection

Been There – Johor

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It seems that the design of the Been There Johor mug is almost identical to the ornament that I reviewed earlier. Most of the symbols and landmarks can be seen in both designs, but they are arranged in a slightly different way.

Johor state’s history stretches back to the powerful Johor Sultanate, founded in 1528 following Malacca’s collapse. Under Sultan Abu Bakar’s visionary leadership in the late 1800s, the state modernized its government and infrastructure while preserving royal authority. Positioned strategically along vital shipping lanes and adjacent to Singapore, Johor has become Malaysia’s manufacturing giant and farming center without abandoning its royal traditions and multicultural identity.… Read more

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Been There – Curitiba

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Been There – Curitiba is a mug for the capital of Paraná state in southern Brazil. It was founded in 1693, though it truly flourished in the 19th century with European immigration, particularly from Poland, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine. The city transformed dramatically under Mayor Jaime Lerner in the 1970s, who pioneered innovative urban planning solutions that made Curitiba internationally renowned as a model of sustainable development. From its pedestrianized downtown and pioneering Bus Rapid Transit system to its extensive green spaces and cultural programs, Curitiba represents Brazilian urbanism at its most creative and livable.… Read more

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Been There – Gramado

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Let’s review another mug from Brazil, this time it’s Been There Gramado. There are two more in the queue, stay tuned!

Gramado’s history begins in the mid-19th century when European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Italy, settled in the mountainous Serra Gaúcha region of Rio Grande do Sul. The city was officially founded in 1913, though its development accelerated in the 1940s when improved roads connected it to larger urban centers. What started as a small agricultural community transformed into one of Brazil’s most beloved tourist destinations, as visitors discovered its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and distinctive European-influenced architecture.… Read more

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Been There – Salvador

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Been There Salvador is a mug for the capital of the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. It is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded in 1549 as the first capital of colonial Brazil, it became a major port in the Atlantic world. Its historic center, Pelourinho, is known for colourful buildings, lively squares, and deep cultural traditions shaped by African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences that continue to define Salvador today.

– One of the figures on the mug represents a traditional drummer, highlighting Salvador’s strong musical heritage.… Read more

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Been There – Santiago de los Caballeros

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Been There Santiago is the fourth mug from the Dominican Republic.

Santiago de los Caballeros, founded in 1495 during the earliest period of Spanish colonization, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most historically important cities. After being destroyed by the earthquake of 1562, the city relocated and rebuilt, continuing to grow through the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its fertile land and strategic location in the Cibao Valley. Its agricultural wealth and cultural influence helped shape Santiago into the strong regional center it remains today.… Read more

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Been There – Bucaramanga

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Been There Bucaramanga is a mug for a city that is often called the City of Parks. It grew from a small settlement in the Andean highlands into one of Colombia’s most active and sunny cities. It has always been shaped by its warm climate, its mountain surroundings, and a culture that mixes tradition with modern life. Today the city is known for its green spaces, friendly pace, and great regional pride.

– Green parks fill other parts of the design, reminding us why Bucaramanga is known as the City of Parks.… Read more

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Been There – Kuala Lumpur

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Most of the landmarks and symbols that we’ve reviewed in the post about the ornament can also be found in the design of this Been There Kuala Lumpur mug. Let’s compare these two.

Kuala Lumpur has grown from a small tin mining settlement to Malaysia’s busy capital, a place where old buildings and modern towers sit side by side. Different cultures shaped the city, which is why you see Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences everywhere. The mug captures that mix really well, showing historic spots, modern icons, and the everyday life that makes KL such a lively place.… Read more

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Been There – Louisiana 3

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I had the pictures of the Been There Louisiana v3 mug sitting around, but for some reason, I forgot to make a post! There are probably very few people who care about these small differences, but it’s my job to make sure they’re documented for everyone’s reference. I’ve made a collage of all three versions for your convenience – see it below.

This mug is likely the last release from the U.S. within the Been There series. It’s the third revision, following the original misprinted version (v1) that was quickly replaced by a corrected one (v2).… Read more

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Been There – Antigua Guatemala

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Been There Antigua Guatemala is the second mug from this Central American country known for its rich Mayan heritage, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant colonial cities like Antigua.

Antigua Guatemala, once the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, is a city filled with colonial charm and volcanic beauty. Founded in the early 16th century, it was originally named Santiago de los Caballeros and served as a major political and religious center for Spanish colonial rule. In 1773, a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, leading to the relocation of the capital to what is now Guatemala City.… Read more

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Been There – Luang Prabang

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Been There – Luang Prabang is a mug for a city that was once the royal capital of Laos and that remains the spiritual heart of the nation. Founded over a thousand years ago, it grew where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, becoming a crossroads of trade and culture. The city’s golden temples, French colonial villas, and slow river life earned it a UNESCO World Heritage title in 1995. Every dawn, saffron-robed monks walk the streets collecting alms, a ritual that keeps ancient traditions alive.… Read more

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