Discovery Series – California

Starbucks Discovery Series – California is a fresh release for The Golden State. California, a state nestled along the western shores of the United States, boasts a captivating history with an intriguing origin for its name. The term “California” is believed to have originated from a 16th-century Spanish novel featuring a mythical island named “California.” Officially designated in 1846 during the Mexican–American War, California gained prominence during the mid-19th century Gold Rush, drawing fortune seekers from around the world. Today, it stands as a beacon of innovation, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, with its stunning landscapes ranging from sun-drenched beaches to majestic redwood forests.… Read more

You Are Here – Avignon

Starbucks You Are Here – Avignon is a mug for a city nestled in the sun-kissed Provence region of southeastern France. Avignon holds a significant place in European history. Its name finds its roots in the Celtic tribe of Avii who once inhabited the area. Established as a settlement around the 6th century BCE, Avignon’s strategic location along the Rhône River facilitated its growth into a bustling Roman town known as Avenio. The city witnessed various rulers and conquerors throughout the centuries, from the Romans to the Visigoths and later the Franks.… 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

Been There – Tokyo

It has been a while since the release of the Japanese mugs, and Starbucks Been There – Tokyo was one of them.

Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis renowned for its modernity, rich history, and cultural heritage. With a population exceeding 13 million people, it stands as one of the most populous cities globally. Originally known as Edo, Tokyo became the official capital in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history as the country transitioned towards modernization and opened up to the world.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Louisiana 2

Starbucks Been There Ornament – Louisiana 2 introduces subtle changes to the existing release. The easiest way to tell two versions apart is to look at the group of three musical notes next to the tiny Starbucks coffee cup. The new version has all of the notes to the right of the cup, while the old version had one to the left and two to the right.

Other changes include:
– an additional musical note on the back of the mug;
– one of the mosquitos is gone and the other one changed the place (so two versus three in total now);
– two sets of flowers are removed;

Additionally, I am only seeing the “made in China” version of the new ornament, it can be identified by the glossy string.… Read more

Discovery Series – Hawaii

The new collection expands to the Aloha State. Thanks to the reader of my blog, I am happy to share the photos of the Starbucks Discovery Series – Hawaii mug with you.

Hawaii bears a rich history dating back over a millennium. Polynesian voyagers first settled the islands around 300 AD, bringing with them their unique culture, language, and traditions. Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1778 marked the beginning of significant European contact, leading to the islands’ eventual annexation by the United States in 1898.… Read more

Been There – Aruba

Let’s move to South America for a second and review Starbucks Been There – Aruba mug.

Aruba, a Caribbean gem renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Believed to have been inhabited as early as 1000 AD by the Caquetio indigenous people, Aruba later became a Spanish colony in the 16th century before falling under Dutch control in 1636. Its name is thought to derive from the Spanish phrase “oro hubo,” meaning “there was gold,” reflecting the island’s once thriving gold mining industry.… Read more

You Are Here – Rouen

Starbucks You Are Here – Rouen is a mug for a city nestled in the heart of Normandy (France) which boasts a rich tapestry of history woven through its cobblestone streets and towering cathedrals. Its name is believed to have originated from the Gaulish word “Ratumacos,” meaning “ford of the river,” owing to its strategic location on the Seine River. Renowned as the capital of the Duchy of Normandy in the Middle Ages, Rouen witnessed significant events such as the trial and execution of Joan of Arc in 1431, which left an indelible mark on its cultural identity.… Read more

Discovery Series – New York City

Similarly to the previous collection, the Big Apple gets its own mug and Starbucks Discovery Series – New York City joins the NY State on the store shelves.

The moniker “Big Apple” for New York City has a somewhat elusive origin, but it gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, primarily through its use in horse racing circles. It’s believed that John J. Fitz Gerald, a sports writer for the New York Morning Telegraph, popularized the term in his column, “Around the Big Apple,” where he referred to New York City as the “big apple” to denote the city’s prominence and allure.… Read more

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