IMAGE : Ariane Colenbrander

Swiss mascot Globi with the author at the Switzerland House opening at Bridges Restaurant

The opening of the House of Switerland Canada was by all accounts both enjoyable and successful.

Unlike some of the pavilions created for the Olympics, HOS Canada's opening welcomed both the media and public.

At 4:15, two Alphorns sounded just outside the entrance as the crowd began to fill the room at Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island, which has been transformed into House of Switzerland Canada for the duration of the Games.

Guests were treated to Lindt chocolates, Nespresso cappucino, Dar•Vida biscuits, Swiss cheese, Ricola lozenge packs and roaming trays of snacks. Local blogger Miss 604 set up a table to host an impromptu tweetup and give away an enormous gift basket of Lindt chocolates to the first Twitter follower who came by and correctly named the capital of Switzerland.

After awhile, the room was packed. I was fortunate enough to have gained a media access pass, and made my way upstairs to the VIP/media lounge. A few introductions were made by members of Swiss Olympic, as hors d'oeuvres and wine glasses flowed freely around the room. A Swiss television crew was broadcasting live from the upper deck, and with the Burrard Bridge and mountains forming a stunning natural backdrop, who could blame them!

As I sit and write this recap (with a Lindt chocolate melting in my mouth), I will fondly remember this afternoon when Switzerland opened its doors to Vancouver. I plan to revisit this welcoming place during the Games, especially when Switzerland wins a medal or two.

See more photos of the House of Switzerland Canada House opening in our Photo Gallery.