in about two weeks my city will be hosting this little event called the olympics. excitement is starting to build and it is pretty much impossible to travel round town without seeing some visual reminder of the games. there are buildings wrapped in snowboarders, giant canadian flags draped on office towers, and banners and signs galore.

most countries have chosen a location to host dignitaries, athletes and broadcasters – their “house.” switzerland has chosen bridges, a restaurant on granville island. here is what greeted my eyes on saturday afternoon after i visited granville market.

i love switzerland, i really do (i lived there for several years and would move back in a flash) but i do not love its house. ack! my eyes. this house is a dog’s breakfast of gigantic red sport-type figures with swiss flag graphics, a post-card type wrap of a scene from the matterhorn, and some type of odd-looking broadcast centre sticking out the back. i know they can’t do anything about the bright yellow colour of the restaurant, but you’d think they’d learn from their own design experts. we’re talking about a country that invented an entire style of graphic design characterized by order, cleanliness and readability.

well. i took my picture and then headed right back into the market to buy some raclette cheese. dinner that night thankfully restored my faith in all that is swiss.