
Been There Ornament – Xiamen
Been There Ornament – Xiamen with the blue string, accompanied by China country ornament.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Xiamen with the blue string, accompanied by China country ornament.… Read more
Discovery Series – Miami is coming together with the ornament that we’ve seen earlier this week. Here is how the big mug is different from its mini sibling:
– The dominoes on the front of the ornament are likely a nod to Máximo Gómez Park, more affectionately known as Domino Park, a vibrant community hub in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Located along Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), this small park is famous for its daily gatherings of local Cuban elders who play intense games of dominoes and chess, often drawing curious onlookers and tourists.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Shenzhen has a blue string and resembles the bigger mug we’ve seen before.… Read more
You Are Here – Košice is a mug for a city with deep historical roots, a cultural and economic hub of eastern Slovakia. First mentioned in records from 1230, Košice quickly grew into a prominent medieval town, becoming the first European city to be granted its own coat of arms in 1369. Strategically located along important trade routes, it flourished as a center of commerce, craftsmanship, and governance within the Kingdom of Hungary. Over the centuries, Košice experienced periods of prosperity and hardship under various empires, including Ottoman incursions and Habsburg rule.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Tianjin comes in a set with the China ornament and features a blue string. You can read the review of the full-size mug here.… Read more
Been There – Dalian is a mug for a major port city in northeastern China, that has a rich and complex history shaped by its strategic location on the Liaodong Peninsula. Originally a small fishing village, it gained prominence in the late 19th century when imperial powers vied for control. The Russians developed it as a naval base and named it Port Arthur, but after the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), Japan took over and transformed the city with modern infrastructure and urban planning.… Read more
Here comes Discovery Series Ornament – Miami from a vibrant coastal city in Florida.
Miami’s history is shaped by indigenous roots, pioneering settlers, and waves of immigration. Originally home to the Tequesta people for over a thousand years, the area began to change in the 19th century when settlers arrived and the U.S. Army built Fort Dallas during the Second Seminole War. The city’s growth accelerated in 1896 when Julia Tuttle, often called the “Mother of Miami,” convinced Henry Flagler to bring his railroad south, leading to Miami’s incorporation.… Read more
It seems that the design of the Starbucks Been There – Sendai mug is all about local foods and local crafts.
– The Sendai Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals, celebrated every August with colorful decorations. The city is adorned with massive streamers made of paper and bamboo, each handmade by local shops and schools. The festival is based on the ancient legend of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. During the celebration, the streets come alive with music, dancing, and traditional food stalls, attracting visitors from across the country.… Read more
Discovery Series – South Dakota is larger than the ornament I reviewed earlier and features more design elements. Let’s go over those that were added:
Ellsworth Air Force Base, located near Rapid City, is one of South Dakota’s most significant military installations. Established in 1942, it has played a vital role in the nation’s defense, particularly during the Cold War, when it housed B-52 bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Today, it remains an active base, home to the 28th Bomb Wing and a key part of the U.S.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Suzhou has a green string and features most of the symbols and icons found in the design of the regular size mug.… Read more