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

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

Been There – Shanghai

Starbucks Been There Shanghai is a mug for a global metropolis on China’s eastern coast that experienced transformative growth in the 19th century when it emerged as a major trading port following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This pivotal moment opened the city to international trade, leading to a period of rapid development and cosmopolitan influence. As foreign concessions sprang up, Shanghai became a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles, blending traditional Chinese elements with Western innovations. The city’s iconic Bund area, with its historic buildings from the early 20th century, and its modern skyline featuring skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, reflect this rich tapestry of history and progress.… Read more

Been There – Hokkaido

Starbucks Been There Hokkaido is a mug for Japan’s northernmost island, which has a rich history shaped by its indigenous Ainu people and later Japanese colonization. Originally called “Ezo,” Hokkaido was home to the Ainu for centuries before the Japanese government began its assimilation efforts in the 19th century. The Meiji Restoration marked a turning point when Hokkaido was officially named and developed as a frontier for agricultural expansion and defense. The island’s harsh climate and rugged terrain made settlement challenging, but the development of infrastructure and the influx of settlers transformed Hokkaido into a vital part of Japan’s national identity.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Australia 2

Similar to the bigger v2 mug, this new revised Been There Ornament – Australia v2 is dedicated to surfing and anything related. Also, I couldn’t help but notice that the ornament is a total copy of the bigger mug, with the exception of the two-piece swimsuit missing from the design of the ornament. That is unusual for the Been There Series, where ornaments have fewer elements than full-size mugs.

Surfing culture in Australia is deeply ingrained in the nation’s coastal lifestyle, with its world-famous beaches and surf spots drawing surfers from around the globe.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Australia

Starbucks Been There Ornament Australia is interesting in a way that it comes in a set with other Australian ornaments. You can see it in the picture below, together with the Australia v2 ornament. Yes, it took me so long to get it that Starbucks released a new version of the ornament! I have to admit, I am not a big fan of this type of packaging because, in order to get all the Australian cities, you have to buy multiple country ornaments.… Read more

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