Been There – Paraguay

Here is a release for a landlocked country in South America, Starbucks Been There – Paraguay mug. This country boasts a rich history and culture. One of its most remarkable historical periods was under the rule of the indigenous Guaraní people, who cultivated a vibrant society long before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The Spanish colonization of Paraguay began in 1537, leading to centuries of struggle for independence and sovereignty. Notably, Paraguay gained its independence from Spain in 1811, marking the start of a tumultuous yet resilient journey as a sovereign nation.… Read more

Been There – Okinawa

Starbucks Been There – Okinawa is a mug for a prefecture in Japan that has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The origin of the term “Okinawa” remains unclear, with one of the possible meanings being “rope in the open ocean”, referring to how the islands form a chain along the China Sea from Kagoshima to Taiwan. The history of Okinawa dates back to prehistoric times, with the earliest Okinawans known as the Minatogawa people. From the 12th century, during the Gusuku era, farming developed on the islands, and communities grew.… Read more

Been There – Japan Spring Edition

Similarly to the previous collection, Starbucks released the Special Edition country mugs for Japan. In fact, each season gets a custom interpretation of the regular mug’s design.
Been There – Japan 2 Spring Edition is dedicated to the spring season, known as “haru”. It is a breathtaking tapestry of renewal and vibrant beauty. Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” symbolize the essence of this season, painting the landscape in shades of pink and white as they bloom across the country. These delicate flowers not only herald the arrival of warmer weather but also evoke a sense of fleeting yet profound beauty, celebrated through hanami, the centuries-old tradition of flower viewing.… Read more

Been There – Beijing

Starbucks Been There – Beijing is a mug for the capital of the People’s Republic of China and one of the world’s largest cities, encompassing an area of approximately 6,500 square miles. With a population exceeding 21 million people, it stands as China’s second-most populous city, serving as a bustling hub of culture, politics, and innovation.
Beijing boasts a rich history dating back over three millennia. Originally known as Ji, it became a prominent city during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE).… Read more

Been There – Baylor

Starbucks Been There – Baylor is a fresh release from the Campus Collection for one of the oldest universities in Texas. Founded in 1845 in Independence, Baylor University was chartered by the Republic of Texas and named after Judge R.E.B. Baylor, a prominent figure in Texas law. Initially established as a Baptist university, it later moved to Waco in 1886. Baylor’s commitment to academic excellence and Christian values has made it a respected institution nationwide. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive research university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.… Read more

Been There Christmas – Manila 2

Been There Christmas – Manila 2 (2023) was released together with this mug. It is pretty easy to get lost between Philippines releases, so here are some distinctive features of this particular mug, that will allow you to tell it apart from others:
1. The box and the inside of the mug are purple
2. The design replicates the regular mug but has a Christmas (red) reusable cup next to the name of the mug

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Been There – Barranquilla

Starbucks Been There – Barranquilla is a mug for a bustling city with a rich history situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. Its name is believed to originate from the Spanish word “barranco,” meaning ravine or cliff, and “quilla,” a term from the indigenous Muysccubun language, possibly referring to a stone wall. Founded in 1629 by Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, Barranquilla initially served as a port for the transportation of goods, becoming a crucial hub for trade in the region.… Read more

Been There Christmas – Philippines 2

I am finally adding Starbucks Been There Christmas – Philippines 2 here, so you can have a proper understanding of the Special Edition mugs from the Land of Smiles. This particular release was spotted during the 2023 Holiday season. It resembles the Summer Edition which I’ve reviewed recently, except instead of black, Starbucks used gold color to outline the elements of the design. When compared to the Philippines Christmas v1, this new version doesn’t have any Holiday-themed elements, except for the red cup right next to the palm tree.… Read more

Been There – Australia

Five mugs from the Land Down Under were released about a year ago. They are available in stores but are still harder to get for collectors in Europe or the Americas due to high-cost shipping. But if you’re a true hardcore fan, that should not stop you, right? Let’s start with the Starbucks Been There – Australia mug.

Australia, known colloquially as the “The Lucky Country,” boasts a rich history and cultural diversity. Indigenous Australians, believed to have settled the continent around 65,000 years ago, possess one of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth.… Read more

Been There – Boracay 2 – Summer Edition 2023

Starbucks Been There – Boracay 2 – Summer Edition 2023 is the fourth and final mug from the last summer batch release. I wonder if there is going to be a new version soon. Let’s keep an eye on that.

Boracay, often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, is a tropical paradise located in the Philippines. This small island, measuring just under four square miles, is famous for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.… Read more

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