I just got back from checking out the big House of Switzerland 2010 Olympics opening party at  Granville Island.

The doors opened for the party at 4:30 today, and when I got there at around 5:00 pm, there was already a line formed outside. That meant that it was already full inside. Still, people were able to slowly inch in as others left, and I eventually made it inside.

My first view after getting off the ferry

The building that is being used as the House of Switzerland is actually the very popular Bridges restaurant that most people in Vancouver are familiar with. If you check it out now, though, you will notice that the name Bridges is covered up with what looks like a cutout of mountain climber.

As I slowly entered the doorway, I was given an entry form to win a trip for two to Switzerland, and I got to pick up several samples of Lindt chocolates — they were given out very generously by people carrying them around in small buckets. They also had a couple of servers going around with trays loaded with bite-sized servings of cheese and some kinds of meats. I got to try a few, and they were quite tasty. It was really slow going, though, and many times I was just stopped and waiting for the people in front of me to start moving again.

It was way too crowded,with standing room only for latecomers.

The Lindt booth. No big surprise there.

The following info, taken from the House of Switzerland website, outlines the events, activities, and contests that will be taking place there:

  • A Grand Opening event for media, VIP’s and the public (that’s what I went to today)
  • Medal ceremonies and celebrations for Swiss Athletes
  • Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate giveaways, demonstrations and contests
  • ‘Swiss Days’ celebration of traditional Swiss culture
  • Daily give-aways from Zimtstern – Switzerland’s most technologically advanced and stylish snowboard and streetwear clothing company
  • Swiss Chef’s, who have added Swiss specialty dishes to the local menus
  • Live broadcasts of Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games
  • Complimentary Pure Swiss bottled water for each guest
  • Children’s Entertainment by the famous Globi — the “Mickey Mouse” of Switzerland
  • Personalized Nespresso coffee, served by World Barista Champion Sammy Piccolo
  • Ricola give-away day
  • Free samples from Cheeses of Switzerland
  • ‘Swiss Biscuit Day’ with free samples from Swiss biscuit maker HUG
  • Live music with musicians from St. Moritz – daily ten-minute sets
  • Switzerland’s Official Broadcast studio set-up in Bridges Restaurant
  • VIP treatment for media, including complimentary laptops and wireless internet
  • A Digital Host providing an instant line of contact through twitter and facebook — watch for twitter contests and “tweet-ups”
  • A VALENTINE’S DAY SURPRISE – yet to be revealed
  • A chance to win a trip for two to St. Moritz Switzerland in Whistler and Vancouver – valued at $10,000 including 5-star accommodation at luxurious Hotel Kempinski or Hotel Badrutt’s Palace
  • And much more!

Really, I didn’t feel comfortable in there at all, but that was because it was just way too crowded at the time and people behind me were always trying to move forward so that I couldn’t really stop and enjoy anything for even a minute. I should have known better than to go there for the opening party, though. On other days, I’m sure it will be much better (well, maybe not tomorrow), and you’ll be able to relax, sit down, eat, have a beer, etc. You should really try to check it out if you have a chance.

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