Discovery Series – Indiana

Discovery Series Indiana is a mug for the Crossroads of America state. Indiana earned that nickname thanks to its central location and the web of highways and railroads that run through it, connecting the Midwest to the rest of the country. Its name comes from the word “Indian land,” a reminder of the Native American tribes who first called this place home. From its early frontier settlements to its bustling modern cities, Indiana has always been a state of movement and connection.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Melbourne

Similar to other Australian ornaments, the Been There Ornament Melbourne comes in a set of two, together with the country ornament. See the photo of the box below.

Melbourne began as a small settlement on the Yarra River in 1835, built by ambitious settlers looking for opportunity. The discovery of gold in the 1850s transformed it into one of the richest cities in the world. Victorian architecture, grand boulevards, and public gardens soon gave it a European charm that still defines its streets.… Read more

Discovery Series – New Hampshire

Here’s another mug I picked up while travelling through New England. Similar to the one from the previous collection, the design of the Discovery Series New Hampshire mug features shades of blue.

New Hampshire became one of the original thirteen colonies in 1788, rich in forests, rivers, and a stubborn spirit of independence. Its motto, “Live Free or Die,” still sums up the state’s character – proud, practical, and a little rebellious. Once built on logging and textile mills, New Hampshire now thrives on small businesses, tourism, and outdoor life.… Read more

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

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

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

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