Tag: City

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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Discovery Series Ornament – Twin Cities

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Discovery Series Ornament Twin Cities is a mini mug for a city that only had regular-sized mugs before. I got it together with the Minnesota ornament that I added to my collection recently.

The Twin Cities’ history begins with the establishment of Fort Snelling in 1819 at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, creating a military presence that attracted settlers to the region. Minneapolis grew around St. Anthony Falls, harnessing the waterfall’s power for lumber and flour milling in the mid-1800s, while St.… Read more

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Been There Ornament – Brisbane

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The Been There Ornament Brisbane is almost a complete copy of the mug I added recently.

Brisbane’s history as Queensland’s capital dates back to its founding in 1825 as a penal colony for repeat offenders from Sydney, making it one of Australia’s harshest convict settlements. The settlement opened to free settlers in 1842 and was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, the governor of New South Wales. Brisbane became the capital when Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859, evolving from a colonial outpost into a thriving river city.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Monterey

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Discovery Series Monterey is another interesting release from California.

Monterey’s story begins in 1770 when Spanish explorers established it as the capital of Alta California, making it the political and cultural heart of Spain’s Pacific coast territories. The city continued as the capital under Mexican rule until California’s statehood in 1850, witnessing the transition from Spanish missions to American governance. In the early 20th century, Monterey became synonymous with its booming sardine industry, which John Steinbeck immortalized in “Cannery Row,” though overfishing led to the industry’s collapse by the 1950s.… Read more

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Been There – Sabah

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Been There Sabah is a mug for the Malaysian state located in northern Borneo.

Sabah’s history as Malaysia’s easternmost state begins with the establishment of the British North Borneo Company in 1881, which administered the territory until World War II. The state endured Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, which devastated much of its infrastructure and population. Sabah gained independence and joined the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, a date now celebrated as Malaysia Day. Known as “Land Below the Wind” for its position south of the typhoon belt, Sabah has evolved from a resource extraction economy into a biodiversity hotspot and adventure tourism destination while maintaining its rich indigenous cultures and natural heritage.… Read more

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