Been There – Luang Prabang

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

Discovery Series – Seattle

Discovery Series – Seattle is a mug for a city that began as a logging town in the 1850s, built on the strength of its forests and its access to Puget Sound. By the late 19th century, it had grown into a shipping hub and a gateway to the Alaskan Gold Rush. The Great Fire of 1889 nearly wiped it out, but the city rebuilt fast, stronger and smarter. In the 20th century, Seattle became known for airplanes, coffee, and music – symbols that still define it today.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Phnom Penh

Been There Ornament Phnom Penh comes in a custom box, together with the Cambodia ornament (see the photo below).

Phnom Penh was founded in the 15th century when King Ponhea Yat made it the capital of Cambodia. Resting at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, the city has always thrived on trade and culture. It later became a key center during the French colonial era, which left a lasting mark on its architecture. The city went through dark years in the 1970s but has since risen with remarkable strength.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – St. Louis

Let’s see what the design of the Discovery Series Ornament St. Louis can offer.

St. Louis began as a French fur trading post in 1764, named after King Louis IX of France. It grew quickly thanks to its prime location along the Mississippi River, becoming a key stop for traders and settlers heading west. By the 1800s, it was one of the busiest ports in the country and a true crossroads of America. The city played a big role during the westward expansion, earning its nickname “The Gateway to the West.” Its streets carry traces of French, African American, and immigrant influences that shaped its culture.… Read more

Discovery Series – Kansas

The review of the ornament won’t be complete without the review of its bigger sibling – Discovery Series – Kansas

Kansas stretches wide under an endless sky, where the horizon glows gold with wheat fields and prairie grass. Known as the Sunflower State, it’s a place shaped by hard work, open land, and resilient people. From its small towns to its capital in Topeka, Kansas has always balanced simplicity with strength. It’s where the past meets the plains – steady, grounded, and full of quiet pride.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Luang Prabang

I would like to share with you the pictures of the Been There Ornament Luang Prabang, which I received from a friend.

Luang Prabang sits where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, a city known for its timeless calm and golden light. Once the royal capital of Laos, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves a rare mix of Buddhist temples and French colonial charm. Mornings begin with the quiet rhythm of monks collecting alms, and evenings glow with lanterns by the river.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Kansas City

Discovery Series – Kansas City joins the earlier release of the ornament for the same city. I mentioned the following symbols from the design of the ornament in the previous post: Kansas City Jazz, Love Lock Bridge, Kansas City Union Station and The 18th and Vine District. Let’s see what other symbols and landmarks the bigger mug showcases.

Kansas City’s story begins in the early 1800s along the banks of the Missouri River, where traders and settlers built a small frontier outpost.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Vancouver

Discovery Series Ornament – Vancouver is the third, but not the last, mini mug from British Columbia that I’m adding to my collection. Stay tuned for at least three more releases expected soon.

Vancouver’s history begins long before it became a modern metropolis. The land was originally home to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose deep connection to the coast still defines the region’s identity. European settlers arrived in the 1800s, drawn by the timber trade and the promise of the Pacific.… Read more

Been There – Punta Del Este

Been There – Punta Del Este is a mug for a city located on Uruguay’s southeastern coast. It is one of South America’s most glamorous seaside destinations. Once a quiet fishing village, it began to gain fame in the mid-20th century as wealthy travelers from Argentina and beyond discovered its golden beaches and relaxed charm. The city grew into a luxurious resort town known for its stunning ocean views, modern skyline, and lively nightlife. Today, Punta del Este blends natural beauty with sophistication, attracting visitors year-round to enjoy its beaches, marinas, and cultural landmarks.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Whistler

This resort city in British Columbia has had its Starbucks mugs before, but never an ornament! That’s why the release of the Discovery Series Ornament Whistler is especially exciting.

Whistler, located in the Coast Mountains, is one of the world’s premier year-round resort destinations. Originally a small logging town, it began to transform in the 1960s when developers sought to create a ski area capable of hosting the Winter Olympics. Whistler Mountain opened in 1966, quickly gaining international attention for its world-class slopes and alpine scenery.… Read more

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