Been There – NC State

It has been a while since I reviewed mugs from Campus Collection. Meanwhile, there were some interesting releases, and Starbucks Been There – NC State is one of them.

North Carolina State University, founded in 1887 as a land-grant institution, began as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Located in Raleigh, it was established to provide practical education in agriculture and engineering. Over the decades, NC State expanded its academic offerings and research capabilities, becoming a comprehensive university.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Alaska 2

While the release of the mugs for the new collection is at full steam, some minor updates were noticed for the series that is retiring. When placing Been There Ornament – Alaska 2 side by side with the v1, I see the following differences:

– the size of the Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) was reduced, and the name of the park, “DenaLi Nat’L. PaRK,” was placed underneath. It is unclear why the designers chose this spelling, as I could not find it used elsewhere.… Read more

Been There – Wuhan

Been There – Wuhan is a mug for the capital of Hubei province in central China, with a history dating back over 3,500 years. Originally a series of three towns—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—it became a pivotal site for trade and transportation due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Throughout Chinese history, Wuhan has been a center of political and military significance, notably during the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, which played a crucial role in the downfall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.… Read more

Been There – Osaka

Starbucks Been There – Osaka is a mug for one of Japan’s major cities, that boasts a rich history dating back over 1,500 years. Originally known as Naniwa, it served as a bustling port and the nation’s capital during the 7th and 8th centuries under the reigns of Emperor Kōtoku and Emperor Shōmu. The city played a pivotal role in Japan’s maritime trade, connecting the country with the rest of Asia. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the late 16th century, Osaka Castle was constructed under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a key figure in Japan’s unification.… Read more

Been There – Xi’an

Here is Been There – Xi’an mug for one of China’s oldest cities, a vibrant historical epicenter of the country. Once known as Chang’an, it was the capital for several of China’s most significant dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. This city’s historical prominence is epitomized by the famed Terracotta Army, which guards the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Xi’an was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchanges between East and West for centuries.… Read more

Been There – Chengdu

Been There – Chengdu is the mug for the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, boasts a rich historical legacy dating back over 4,000 years. As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, it was a significant cultural and political center during the ancient Shu Kingdom, long before the Qin dynasty unified China. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Jinsha Site, have unearthed artifacts that testify to Chengdu’s ancient prosperity and cultural richness. During the Han dynasty, Chengdu was known as a major hub of commerce and industry, particularly noted for its production of brocade, which earned it the nickname “Brocade City.” Throughout the Tang and Song dynasties, Chengdu continued to flourish as a cultural and literary center, contributing significantly to Chinese poetry and art.… Read more

Been There – Xiamen

Starbucks Been There – Xiamen is a mug for a coastal city in southeastern China. Historically known as Amoy, it emerged as a vital port during the Song Dynasty, flourishing through maritime trade. The city played a significant role during the Ming Dynasty as a defense base against pirates and later as a key site during the First Opium War. Its colonial legacy is evident in the Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles.… Read more

Been There – Shenzhen

Starbucks Been There – Shenzhen is a mug for a city, located in southern China, that has transformed itself from a small fishing village into a global technological hub. Known as the “Silicon Valley of China,” Shenzhen is home to numerous tech giants and startups, attracting innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world. With its stunning skyline, modern architecture, and bustling streets, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Shenzhen is also renowned for its shopping destinations, cultural attractions, and diverse culinary scene.… Read more

Been There – Kobe

Starbucks Been There – Kobe is a mug for a prominent port city located on Osaka Bay in Japan, that has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the Nara period (710-794). During the 12th century, Kobe became a significant center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location. It was officially founded in 1868, the same year Japan opened its ports to foreign trade, marking the beginning of the Meiji era. Kobe’s port rapidly grew into one of Japan’s most important, facilitating international trade and cultural exchange.… Read more

Been There – Paraguay

Here is a release for a landlocked country in South America, Starbucks Been There – Paraguay mug. This country boasts a rich history and culture. One of its most remarkable historical periods was under the rule of the indigenous Guaraní people, who cultivated a vibrant society long before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The Spanish colonization of Paraguay began in 1537, leading to centuries of struggle for independence and sovereignty. Notably, Paraguay gained its independence from Spain in 1811, marking the start of a tumultuous yet resilient journey as a sovereign nation.… Read more

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