Tag: Been There

Been There – Salvador

Posted on

Been There Salvador is a mug for the capital of the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. It is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded in 1549 as the first capital of colonial Brazil, it became a major port in the Atlantic world. Its historic center, Pelourinho, is known for colourful buildings, lively squares, and deep cultural traditions shaped by African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences that continue to define Salvador today.

– One of the figures on the mug represents a traditional drummer, highlighting Salvador’s strong musical heritage.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There Ornament – Hong Kong

Posted on

Been There Ornament Hong Kong joins other mini mugs in my collection.

Hong Kong began as a small fishing and farming community before becoming a British colony in 1842 after the First Opium War. Over the next century, it transformed into a major trading port and one of the most important gateways between East and West. In 1997 sovereignty returned to China under the “one country, two systems” framework, which allowed Hong Kong to keep its own legal and economic structures.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There – Santiago de los Caballeros

Posted on

Been There Santiago is the fourth mug from the Dominican Republic.

Santiago de los Caballeros, founded in 1495 during the earliest period of Spanish colonization, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most historically important cities. After being destroyed by the earthquake of 1562, the city relocated and rebuilt, continuing to grow through the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its fertile land and strategic location in the Cibao Valley. Its agricultural wealth and cultural influence helped shape Santiago into the strong regional center it remains today.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Bucaramanga

Posted on

Been There Bucaramanga is a mug for a city that is often called the City of Parks. It grew from a small settlement in the Andean highlands into one of Colombia’s most active and sunny cities. It has always been shaped by its warm climate, its mountain surroundings, and a culture that mixes tradition with modern life. Today the city is known for its green spaces, friendly pace, and great regional pride.

– Green parks fill other parts of the design, reminding us why Bucaramanga is known as the City of Parks.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Kuala Lumpur

Posted on

Most of the landmarks and symbols that we’ve reviewed in the post about the ornament can also be found in the design of this Been There Kuala Lumpur mug. Let’s compare these two.

Kuala Lumpur has grown from a small tin mining settlement to Malaysia’s busy capital, a place where old buildings and modern towers sit side by side. Different cultures shaped the city, which is why you see Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences everywhere. The mug captures that mix really well, showing historic spots, modern icons, and the everyday life that makes KL such a lively place.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There Ornament – Malacca

Posted on

Been There Ornament Malacca is an ornament for a city also known as Melaka, that has a long and layered history that stretches back to the 1400s when it rose as a powerful Malay sultanate and one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports. Its strategic position drew the attention of foreign powers, leading to centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British control. Each era left behind architecture, cuisine, and traditions that still shape the city today. Because of this mix, Malacca is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malaysia’s most historically rich destinations.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There – Louisiana 3

Posted on

I had the pictures of the Been There Louisiana v3 mug sitting around, but for some reason, I forgot to make a post! There are probably very few people who care about these small differences, but it’s my job to make sure they’re documented for everyone’s reference. I’ve made a collage of all three versions for your convenience – see it below.

This mug is likely the last release from the U.S. within the Been There series. It’s the third revision, following the original misprinted version (v1) that was quickly replaced by a corrected one (v2).… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There Ornament – Kuala Lumpur

Posted on

Been There Ornament Kuala Lumpur is yet another addition to my collection from Asia. There are still quite a few releases from this series to review!

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, began as a small tin-mining settlement in the 1850s. Over time, it grew into a bustling hub of commerce and culture, attracting people from across the country and beyond. Today, it’s the political, financial, and cultural heart of Malaysia, blending colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. The city’s skyline and heritage reflect its diverse past and rapid development, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capitals.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Perlis

Posted on

The Been There Ornament Perlis is a mini version of the mug we reviewed earlier. I’m lucky to have this in my collection, thanks to a friend who travels frequently across Asia.

Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia, may be compact in size, but it is rich in history and natural beauty. Located in the far north of Peninsular Malaysia, it shares a border with Thailand and has long served as a vital trading route between the two nations. Historically known as part of the ancient Kingdom of Kedah, Perlis became a separate state in the early 19th century and developed its own distinct cultural identity.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There – Antigua Guatemala

Posted on

Been There Antigua Guatemala is the second mug from this Central American country known for its rich Mayan heritage, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant colonial cities like Antigua.

Antigua Guatemala, once the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, is a city filled with colonial charm and volcanic beauty. Founded in the early 16th century, it was originally named Santiago de los Caballeros and served as a major political and religious center for Spanish colonial rule. In 1773, a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, leading to the relocation of the capital to what is now Guatemala City.… Read more

0
See more from Been There
1 2 3 4 5 … 65