Been There Ornament – Kunming, together with the China country ornament, accompanies the large mug that we’ve reviewed earlier. The symbols of the city we identified were: Stone Forest (Shilin National Park), Western Hills and Dragon Gate, Yuantong Temple, and Golden Temple (Jindian Park). Local dishes to try: Crossing the Bridge Noodles (Guo Qiao Mi Xian), Yunnan Rice Noodles (Mi Xian), and Steam Pot Chicken (Chengdu Ji).… Read more
Interestingly, the Been There – Laos country mug was released after the Vientiane city mug. Starbucks often takes this approach, so I was not too surprised.
Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Once part of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” it flourished as a major regional power from the 14th to the 18th century. Its strategic location along the Mekong River made it an important trade hub and cultural crossroads.… Read more
We explored the state symbols featured in the design of the Connecticut ornament last week. Now, let’s see what other elements the Discovery Series – Connecticut mug has to offer.
– The Connecticut-style lobster roll stands as a distinctive culinary symbol that sets the state apart from its New England neighbors. Unlike the mayo-dressed Maine version, Connecticut’s lobster roll features warm, succulent lobster meat tossed in melted butter and served on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun. This preparation method allows the sweet flavor of the lobster to shine through, representing Connecticut’s refined yet approachable food culture.… Read more
Similar to other countries, Australia had quite a few mugs released for its cities and even two versions of the country mug and ornament.
Been There – Gold Coast is a mug for a city located in Queensland, which has grown from a quiet coastal area into one of Australia’s most famous cities. Originally inhabited by the Yugambeh people, the region’s rich culture and traditions date back thousands of years. European settlement began in the 19th century, first as a timber and farming hub before tourism took over in the mid-20th century.… Read more
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
NC State Wolfpack Been There Seri ...
