I'm a sucker for chocolate. Really. And Swiss chocolate? It's good. But there's more to Switzerland than just chocolate. Cheese. Oooh I like cheese. And Fondue. And Raclette. I want to go back to Switzerland. Now!
A trip to Switzerland is not in the calendar. Or the budget for that matter. Not to worry, a taste of Switzerland is coming to Vancouver and Whistler.
Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island in Vancouver and the Mountain Club in Whistler are being transformed into Swiss Hospitality Houses. I've walked past the Mountain Club every day this week, and it's changing fast.
The House of Switzerland Canada 2010 will officially open on Friday February 5th in Vancouver and Saturday February 6th in Whistler from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. And the general public, meaning me and you, are invited.
There is so much going on, that I am just going to cut and paste from their press release:
From February 5 – 28th 2010 at the House of Switzerland Canada 2010 in Vancouver and Whistler there will be on-going events, activities and contests, including:
- A Grand Opening event for media, VIP's and the public SAVE THE DATE! Friday, Feb 5th in Vancouver & Saturday, Feb 6th in Whistler (4:30 – 6:30 PM)
- 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 SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, February 14th in Vancouver and Whistler
- 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!
My schedule right now looks like I'll be in Whistler for the Vancouver opening, and in Vancouver for the Whistler opening. I'll have to see if I can rectify that.
Love the Aussie Flag hanging above the House of Switzerland!
Find out more at:
www.houseofswitzerland.org
HOS Facebook group
or follow Bettina and Anita from HOS on twitter
The Vancouver schedule is here (link opens PDF file)
and the Whistler schedule is here (link opens PDF file)