Been There – Nanjing

Been There – Nanjing is a mug for a city located in eastern China along the Yangtze River. It was the capital of several Chinese dynasties, most notably the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. This strategic location has made Nanjing a vital political, economic, and cultural center for centuries. Today, the city beautifully juxtaposes its historical heritage with modern development, featuring landmarks like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, making it a profound testament to China’s resilience and evolution throughout the ages.… Read more

Been There – Allure of the Seas

Starbucks Been There Allure of the Seas is one of ten mugs released for the Royal Caribbean cruise line. You can buy these mugs at each ship that has a standalone Starbucks store. I will be adding all of them to the blog, so stay tuned!

Allure of the Seas, launched in 2010, is one of the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world, part of Royal Caribbean’s renowned Oasis Class. With a length of 1,181 feet and a capacity to accommodate over 5,400 passengers, this floating city offers an unparalleled cruising experience.… Read more

Discovery Series – South Carolina

Starbucks Discovery Series South Carolina mug joins the ornament from the same state that we reviewed earlier and has many more details. In that review, I’ve mentioned: Yellow Jessamine (the state flower), Carolina Wren (the state bird), Shag (a popular dance), tea, and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Here are the extra things that the design of the bigger mug has to offer:

Charleston is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and rich history. The historic district features antebellum homes, cobblestone streets, and significant sites like Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.… Read more

You Are Here – Trójmiasto

You Are Here – Trójmiasto is a mug for a metropolitan area in northern Poland that comprises three cities: Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, also known as Tricity or Tri-City. Its rich history dates back to the medieval period, with Gdańsk emerging as a significant trade center in the Hanseatic League during the 14th century. The area played a pivotal role in maritime commerce, with its strategic location on the Baltic Sea facilitating trade routes that connected various European markets. Gdańsk’s tumultuous history is marked by various conflicts, including its destruction during World War II, which left deep scars on the city and its inhabitants.… Read more

Been There Ornament – China

Been There Ornament China is hands down the best-looking ornament from this series. Similarly to the bigger mug, its design uses bold red and gold colors. As a reminder, all Been There Ornaments from Mainland China come in pairs: one country ornament and one city ornament. With that being said, if you decide to collect all the Mainland China ornaments, you are going to end up with multiples of China (country) ones.

Check this post out, where I go into more detail on different boxes for YAH and BeenThere ornaments.… Read more

Been There – Chongqing

Been There Chongqing is a mug for a sprawling municipality in southwestern China that is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Originally established as a military stronghold during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), it evolved into a significant trading hub along the Yangtze River. Its strategic location made it a vital center during the Second Sino-Japanese War, serving as the temporary capital of China. The city is renowned for its unique blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient relics, with attractions like the Dazu Rock Carvings and the historic Ciqikou ancient town reflecting its diverse heritage.… Read more

Been There – New York University

It has been a while since I’ve had a new release from the Campus Collection for review, and it seems that Been There New York University mugs are finally widely available now.

New York University (NYU) was founded in 1831 by a group of prominent New Yorkers led by then-Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. The vision was to create a non-denominational, accessible institution that catered to the working class, a stark contrast to the private, religious colleges that dominated the educational landscape of the time.… Read more

You Are Here – Mecca

You Are Here – Mecca is an unexpected release from Saudi Arabia. Mecca (officially Makkah al-Mukarramah) is generally considered the holiest city in Islam and holds immense significance in the Muslim world. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam, towards which Muslims around the globe face during their daily prayers. Every year, millions of Muslims undertake the pilgrimage known as Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, to Mecca.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – South Carolina

Discovery Series Ornament South Carolina is a mini mug for the Palmetto State. This nickname originates from the Sabal Palmetto, a type of palm tree that played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War. In 1776, the resilient palmetto logs were used to construct Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, which withstood British cannon fire due to the wood’s spongy nature. This pivotal victory in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island became a symbol of South Carolina’s strength and resilience. The palmetto tree was later incorporated into the state flag, where it stands proudly alongside a crescent, further cementing its significance in the state’s identity.… Read more

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