Tag: City

Been There – Hefei

Posted on

Been There – Hefei is the mug for the capital of Anhui Province, which has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It was a strategic military and administrative center during the Three Kingdoms period, notably linked to the famous general Zhang Liao’s victory at the Battle of Hefei. Over the centuries, the city evolved under various dynasties, serving as a hub of commerce and culture. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hefei became known for its scholars and officials, contributing to China’s intellectual and political landscape.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

You Are Here – Al Madinah

Posted on

After a short break, I am back to exploring unique Starbucks mugs from around the world! This time we’re looking at the design of the recently released You Are Here – Al Madinah. Also known as Medina, it is one of Islam’s holiest cities that holds deep historical significance as the place where Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated in 622 CE, an event known as the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It became the first Islamic state and the site where many key revelations of the Quran were received, shaping the foundations of Islamic governance and community life.… Read more

0
See more from You Are Here - International

Been There – Qingdao

Posted on

Been There – Qingdao is a mug for a city with a history of international influences and cultural transformations. Originally a small fishing village, the city was dramatically changed in 1897 when German colonial forces seized the territory, establishing a concession and significantly developing the area’s infrastructure. The Germans built many distinctive buildings and introduced modern urban planning, including the famous brewery that would become Tsingtao Beer. In 1914, Japan took control of the city during World War I, further altering its landscape and governance.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

You Are Here – Belfort

Posted on

A friend sent the photos of the You Are Here – Belfort mug to me, and I am excited to share them with you! With this new release, France has more YAH mugs than any other European country now.

Founded in the 13th century, Belfort has a legacy deeply intertwined with its strategic location in the Franche-Comté region. The city was originally established as a defensive stronghold, strategically positioned at the intersection of important trade routes between Germany and France. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, Belfort gained particular fame under the leadership of Colonel Pierre Denfert-Rochereau, who heroically defended the city against a prolonged Prussian siege, earning it the nickname “the unconquered city”.… Read more

0
See more from You Are Here - International

Discovery Series – Las Vegas

Posted on

We reviewed the ornament earlier this year; here’s the bigger version of the mug: Discovery Series – Las Vegas.

Las Vegas began as a small railroad town in 1905, founded on land auctioned by the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad. Initially a modest settlement in the Mojave Desert, the city experienced a dramatic transformation with the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, which brought thousands of workers to the area. The pivotal moment came in 1941 when mobster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel, effectively launching the modern Las Vegas Strip and establishing the city’s reputation as a gambling and entertainment destination.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery

Been There – Kanazawa

Posted on

Been There – Kanazawa is a mug for a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. The city flourished under the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly 300 years, transforming Kanazawa into a significant cultural and economic center. Despite being spared from major bombings during World War II, the city preserved much of its traditional architecture and cultural traditions, making it one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical cities.

Places to visit in Kanazawa:

– Kenroku-en is widely considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Discovery Series – Queens

Posted on

Discovery Series – Queens finalizes the mini collection of five New York City boroughs.

Queens is a vibrant and historically rich borough of New York City, located on the western edge of Long Island. Established in 1683 and named after Catherine of Braganza, the Queen consort of King Charles II of England, Queens has grown to become the largest borough by area and the second-most populous district in New York City. As of 2020, Queens boasts a population of approximately 2.3 million people, making it the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with over 48% of its residents born outside the United States.… Read more

1
See more from Discovery

Been There – Guilin

Posted on

Been There – Guilin is a mug for a city nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China with a rich historical legacy dating back over 2,000 years. First established during the Qin Dynasty around 214 BCE, the city has been a pivotal cultural and strategic center, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Its name, meaning “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” reflects the abundance of fragrant osmanthus trees that have characterized the landscape for centuries, symbolizing the region’s natural beauty and cultural significance.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Discovery Series – Staten Island

Posted on

Discovery Series – Staten Island is the fourth mug from the small collection of the NYC boroughs.

Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, Staten Island was first sighted by European explorer Henry Hudson in 1609. Over centuries, it evolved from a Dutch settlement in the 17th century to a vital hub of the Revolutionary War and, eventually, a suburban enclave within the bustling metropolis of New York City.

Some of the landmarks of Staten Island, as seen in the design of the mug:

– The Staten Island Greenbelt is a sprawling network of parks and natural spaces, making it one of the largest contiguous areas of nature in New York City.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery

Been There – Harbin

Posted on

Been There – Harbin is a mug for the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, which boasts a rich and complex history that reflects the region’s strategic importance. Founded in 1898 as a small village, the city rapidly developed after the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway, becoming a crucial transportation hub. Throughout the early 20th century, Harbin emerged as a cosmopolitan city with significant Russian influence, particularly during the Russian Empire’s expansion and the subsequent Russian Revolution. The city experienced multiple transformations, surviving Japanese occupation, Communist Revolution, and ultimately becoming a modern Chinese metropolis that seamlessly blends historical heritage with contemporary urban development.… Read more

0
See more from Been There
1 2 3 4 … 51