You Are Here – Groningen

Starbucks You Are Here – Groningen comes from the Netherlands. Big thanks to the blog reader for providing the pictures of this beautiful mug!

Groningen, a vibrant city in the northern part of the country, boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century when it emerged as an influential regional trade hub. The city’s strategic location allowed it to thrive during the Middle Ages, becoming a member of the powerful Hanseatic League. This affiliation boosted its economic and cultural significance, fostering connections with other major European cities.… Read more

Been There – Hiroshima

Starbucks Been There – Hiroshima is a mug for a city in Japan’s Chūgoku region, which has a rich history that extends far beyond the tragic events of World War II. Founded in the late 16th century by the powerful warlord Mōri Terumoto, Hiroshima developed as a key economic and cultural hub in western Japan. The city thrived through the Edo period and into the modern era, becoming a center for industry and education. However, Hiroshima is most widely recognized internationally for the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, which resulted in massive destruction and loss of life.… Read more

Discovery Series – Niagara Falls

Here’s the bigger version of the ornament that we’ve seen earlier. When compared to the mini mug, the design of the Discovery Series Niagara Falls has way more details. Let’s review them together.

But before we do that, I would like to mention an interesting fact about Niagara Falls. Did you know that this famous group of waterfalls is continuously evolving due to both natural and human influences? Erosion, a key natural process, gradually reshapes the falls as the powerful water flow wears away the underlying rock layers.… Read more

Been There – Hangzhou

Starbucks Been There Hangzhou is a mug for the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China. It is a city steeped in history and cultural significance. Renowned for its stunning West Lake, Hangzhou has been a center of culture, politics, and economy since ancient times. It was famously described by the Venetian traveler Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world.” During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Hangzhou served as the imperial capital, fostering a golden age of art, literature, and commerce.… Read more

You Are Here – Napoli

Starbucks You Are Here Napoli is a mug for the city in southern Italy with a rich and diverse heritage. Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC as Neapolis, or “New City,” it became one of the most important cities in Magna Graecia. During the Roman era, Naples was a cultural hub, renowned for its contributions to art, philosophy, and science. The city endured a turbulent history, including periods of Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish rule, each leaving a distinct mark on its architecture and culture.… Read more

You Are Here – Kristiansand

It seems that European YAH mugs are still popping up here and there. Does it mean Starbucks is going to skip the Been There Series in this region and go straight to Discovery? That’s one of the possibilities, and only time will tell.

You Are Here Kristiansand is a mug for a charming Norwegian city that blends historical richness with modern vibrancy. Founded by King Christian IV in 1641, Kristiansand was established as a strategic fortification and trading post. The city’s layout, characterised by its grid pattern, reflects the Renaissance ideals of the time, aimed at efficiency and defence.… Read more

You Are Here – Perpignan

With the addition of this very nice looking Starbucks You Are Here Perpignan mug to my collection, I conclude the French mugs series for now. For now, because I heard rumors that there could be more, coming later this year. Stay tuned for updates!

Perpignan, the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, boasts a rich and diverse history. Founded in the 10th century, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca in the 13th and 14th centuries, which significantly shaped its architectural and cultural landscape.… Read more

Been There – Guangzhou

Much like most of the Chinese mugs from this series, Starbucks Been There – Guangzhou is an older release that I had no chance to review just yet.

Guangzhou is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its origins date back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty, when it was established as a trading port. It became a crucial hub during the Tang and Song Dynasties, connecting China to the Maritime Silk Road and facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.… Read more

Been There – Nagano

Starbucks Been There – Nagano is a mug for a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of Japan. Originally settled in prehistoric times, Nagano played a significant role during the Sengoku period (1467-1615) as a strategic location for several prominent feudal lords. The area’s historical prominence was further highlighted by the construction of the famous Zenko-ji Temple in the 7th century, which became a major pilgrimage site. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Nagano thrived as a post town on the Nakasendo route, connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto.… Read more

Discovery Series – Chicago

Starbucks Discovery Series – Chicago mug compliments the ornament that I reviewed earlier. I’ve already gone over these symbols and landmarks from the ornament: Chicago-style hot dog, the Chicago “L”, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Chicago’s musical heritage. In this post, we will take a look at the remaining elements of the design:

– The popcorn on the front of the mug is probably a reference to Garrett Popcorn Shops, which has been a staple since 1949. Garrett’s Chicago Mix, a delicious blend of caramel and cheese popcorn, has become a local and tourist favorite, embodying the city’s unique take on a classic snack.… Read more

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