Discovery Series – Cambridge

Here are some photos of the Discovery Series Cambridge mug that I made while visiting Boston this summer. We’ve reviewed the ornament earlier, so let’s see how the design of the larger mug differs.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a history deeply tied to learning and innovation. Founded in 1630 and named after the English university town, it quickly became a center of education and intellect. Home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge has long stood at the crossroads of history, science, and culture.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Penang

I’m getting closer to completing my collection of mini mugs with this beautiful Been There Ornament Penang that I got from a friend!

Penang, often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a small island with a big story to tell. You can even see the image of the island itself on the front of the mug, shaped like a green gem off Malaysia’s northwest coast. Its modern history began in 1786 when Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company established a trading post here.… Read more

Discovery Series – Vermont

Discovery Series Vermont is a mug for the Green Mountain State. Its nickname comes from the French “Vert Mont,” a name given by early French explorers who were struck by the rolling, forested peaks that define the state’s landscape. Vermont is known for its strong rural character, independent spirit, and deep appreciation for nature, which shows in both its people and its traditions.

Some of the symbols of Vermont:

Maple syrup is one of Vermont’s proudest symbols. Every spring, the sugarhouses come alive as sap from the state’s countless maple trees is boiled down into golden syrup.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Sabah

Yet another mini mug from Malaysia! The Been There Ornament Sabah is designed using the blue color palette. This is possibly to reflect the state’s serene coastal beauty and the symbolic meanings of peace, unity, and strength found in the shades of blue on Sabah’s flag. The string of the ornament is also blue.

Sabah, known as the “Land Below the Wind,” sits on the northern tip of Borneo and carries a history as diverse as its landscapes. Long before colonial times, the region was home to several indigenous groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Bajau peoples, each with distinct languages and traditions.… Read more

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

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