Tag: City

Discovery Series Ornament – Toronto

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The Discovery Series Ornament Toronto was one of the first mini mugs from this series that I got. I have time to finally post it here.

Toronto is one of Canada’s most dynamic cities, shaped by Indigenous heritage, British colonial roots, and waves of immigration that helped turn it into a global cultural and economic center. Originally known as York in the late 18th century, the city grew rapidly with the expansion of railways, industry, and trade along Lake Ontario. Today, Toronto stands as Canada’s largest city, known for its skyline, neighborhoods, and strong connection to sports, food, and outdoor life along the waterfront.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Montréal

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Discovery Series Montréal is a mug for a city that blends European charm and North American energy, where historic streets, vibrant festivals, and a world-class food scene come together. I reviewed the ornament for Montréal more than one year ago!

Montreal’s story begins in 1642 when French settlers established Ville-Marie on an island in the St. Lawrence River, naming it after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its heart. The city flourished as New France’s commercial center before British conquest in 1760 created the unique bicultural character that defines Montreal today.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Los Angeles

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Discovery Series Ornament Los Angeles is an espresso mug from California.

Los Angeles began as a small Spanish settlement founded in 1781 under the name El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles. Over time, it grew through Mexican rule, became part of the United States in the mid-19th century, and rapidly expanded with the arrival of railroads, oil discoveries, and the motion picture industry. Today, Los Angeles stands as a global city where entertainment, coastal living, and cultural diversity intersect, all of which are reflected in the symbols and scenes illustrated on the mug.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Palm Springs

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Similar to other mugs from this collection, the design of the Discovery Series Palm Springs has more symbols and landmarks, compared to the ornament that I added to my collection earlier this week.

Palm Springs evolved from a remote desert inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians into Hollywood’s favorite escape in the 1930s and 1940s. Movie stars built hideaways just two hours from Los Angeles, seeking privacy, sunshine, and the therapeutic dry climate. The city’s heyday during the 1950s and 1960s brought architectural experimentation with modernist homes that maximized desert living through glass walls and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Palm Springs

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Discovery Series Ornament Palm Springs is a mini mug for a city that didn’t have one before!

Palm Springs transformed from a desert oasis inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians into a glamorous resort destination in the early 20th century. Hollywood stars discovered the area in the 1930s, making it their playground just two hours from Los Angeles, while the clean desert air attracted those seeking relief from respiratory ailments. The city’s golden age in the 1950s and 1960s saw architectural innovation through mid-century modern design that still defines its aesthetic today.… Read more

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Been There Ornament – Bangkok

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Another gift from a friend has joined my collection. The Been There Ornament Bangkok comes in a separate box, which seems to be in line with other releases from Thailand.

Bangkok’s story begins in the late 18th century, when King Rama I established it as the capital of Siam in 1782 after the fall of Ayutthaya. What started as a riverside settlement along the Chao Phraya River quickly grew into the political, cultural, and spiritual heart of the country. Over time, canals, royal compounds, and temples shaped the city’s layout, earning Bangkok a reputation as a place where tradition and daily life are deeply intertwined.… Read more

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Been There – Phuket

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Been There Phuket is a mug for Thailand’s largest island, famous for its tropical beaches, clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Phuket’s story unfolds over centuries, from its strategic position on ancient maritime trade routes connecting India and China to its prosperity through tin mining beginning in the 16th century. Chinese, Malay, and European traders left lasting influences on the island’s diverse culture, while the legendary defense against Burmese invaders in 1785 by heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon remains a source of pride commemorated by a prominent monument.… Read more

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Been There – Pattaya

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Been There Pattaya is a mug for a famous beach resort.

Pattaya’s history begins as a small fishing village that transformed dramatically during the Vietnam War when American servicemen discovered its beaches as an R&R destination in the 1960s. After the war, Pattaya evolved into Thailand’s premier beach resort, attracting package tourists, expatriates, and weekend visitors from Bangkok, just 100 miles away. From sleepy coastal village to bustling resort city, Pattaya has become synonymous with nightlife, water sports, and beach holidays, while continuing to develop upscale resorts, golf courses, and family attractions alongside its more notorious entertainment districts.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Whistler

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If you prefer the bigger mugs over the ornaments, then the Discovery Series Whistler is the one to get when visiting this well-known ski resort.

Whistler’s history as a world-class mountain resort begins with its development in the 1960s, when a group of Vancouver businessmen envisioned creating a ski destination to rival the Alps and potentially host the Winter Olympics. The resort opened in 1966 as Whistler Mountain, with Blackcomb Mountain following in 1980, creating a legendary dual-mountain experience. Whistler finally achieved its Olympic dream when it co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics with Vancouver, showcasing the resort to a global audience.… Read more

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Been There Ornament – Perth

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Been There Ornament Perth is the last confirmed ornament from Australia for now. I’m keeping an eye out for another one, but until I get photos, I won’t be able to post it here.

Perth’s history as the capital of Western Australia begins with its founding in 1829 as the Swan River Colony, making it one of the most isolated cities established by the British Empire. Unlike Australia’s eastern colonies, Perth began as a free settlement rather than a penal colony, though convict labour was later imported in the 1850s to address labour shortages.… Read more

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