Been There Ornament – Guilin replicates the design of the bigger mug and features some of the symbols and places to visit in Guilin: Li River karst mountains, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and a traditional dish from Guilin’s cuisine – mifen.… Read more
Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut is the latest ornament from New England, which I was fortunate to add to my collection.
Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a history that stretches back to the early 1600s when Dutch traders and English settlers arrived. It was here that the Fundamental Orders of 1639 were drafted, a document many historians call the first written constitution in the Western world. The state played an important role in the American Revolution, supplying ships, weapons, and provisions to the Continental Army.… Read more
Been There – Mariner of the Seas is the tenth and the last mug from the “Royal Caribbean” mini series from Starbucks.
The Mariner of the Seas, a second-generation Voyager-class cruise ship, entered service in November 2003 after being constructed by Kværner Masa-Yards in Finland. Its maiden voyage began on November 16, 2003. In early 2018, the ship underwent a major refit costing around US$120 million. Mariner stretches 1,020 feet in length, spans up to 161 feet at its widest point, and drafts approximately 28 feet.… Read more
Similar to the bigger mug, Been There Ornament – Sanya mentions some of the popular attractions of Sanya: Beaches and Water Activities, Tropical Paradise Exploration, Underwater Adventures, Cultural Immersion, Natural Wonders, Shopping and Local Experiences, and Culinary Delights… Read more
I continue my journey through the New England states, pausing in the “Ocean State” to collect this beautiful Discovery Series Ornament – Rhode Island and have a cup of local Clam Chowder.
Rhode Island, officially known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams established Providence as a haven for religious freedom, which became a cornerstone of the colony’s identity. By 1663, King Charles II granted Rhode Island a royal charter, guaranteeing its autonomy and liberty of conscience.… Read more
Once again, I have no excuse for delaying my review of this mug, which debuted four years ago.
Been There – Porto Alegre is a mug for a city founded in 1772 by Portuguese settlers from the Azores, becoming an important port and administrative center in southern Brazil. Its strategic position along the Guaíba Lake made it a hub for commerce and immigration throughout the 19th century. The city played a key role in the Ragamuffin War (1835–1845), which shaped local identity and politics.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Shenyang comes in a set of two, together with the China ornament. Similarly to the bigger mug, it showcases these symbols of the city in the design: Marshal Zhang Mansion, The Mukden Palace, Beiling Park, Zhongjie Walking Street, Laobian Dumplings, The Four Bowl Set, and Fa’s Twisted Roll… Read more
Similar to the design of the mini mug from the previous series, the Discovery Series Ornament – New Hampshire features blue colors, likely due to the blue background of the state’s flag.
New Hampshire was one of the original thirteen colonies and played a critical role in the founding of the United States. It was the first state to create its constitution independent of British rule in January 1776. The state also proudly cast the first vote for independence at the Continental Congress.… Read more
Been There – Norwegian Prima is a mug for a cruise ship launched in 2022 as the first ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima-class series and a major step up in design and passenger experience. Built by Fincantieri in Italy, the vessel measures 965 feet in length, 133 feet in beam, and has a gross tonnage of 143,535. It carries up to 3,100 guests with a crew of approximately 1,500, delivering a guest-to-crew ratio that beats many ships in its class.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Changsha comes with the red string and is in a set with the country mini mug. I reviewed the design of the bigger mug here.… Read more
Been There Series 
TURKS ...
