CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — Other than sportsmanship and pushing the limits of human ability, the Olympics prides itself on one other key component that makes it the spectacle that it is: culture.
Some of the houses, dedicated to different countries, are going out of their way to encourage people to come inside. Each of the houses is a bit different, but at least a few are working hard to get people to check them out.
On Friday in Cortina, a polka band was seen on the town square, right next to the cauldron, playing its rendition of "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. It was an effort to draw people to the Austria House.
KSL also encountered a German skier who was going around speaking with people about his family's history of competitive skiing.
There are many other houses around Cortina, with Italy and Slovenia being among them. Unlike Switzerland, most are run through the International Olympic Committee.
At the House of Switzerland, a fun curling challenge awaits, Swiss chocolate or a simple, relaxing afternoon watching the athletes compete. It's all free.
The Swiss ambassador at large, Alexandre Edel, said the goal is to help everyone feel welcome; the country sees it as a sort of public relations campaign for the country. They want to be seen as bridge-builders, helping forge connections between countries.
The Swiss actually have three different houses, in different cities, for that reason. Each one has its own unique theme.
"It's a different moment here in Cortina," Edel said. "I think that the first ambition is to have people smiling. The Games are great moments where we can show your flags and show your banner. It's an emotional moment which allows us to then share values, common values."
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Mary Culbertson
