beyondBeijing2008.com

VANCOUVER – With the world in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, many countries are showcasing their culture, cuisine, art and music with hospitality houses.

But defining “hospitality” is another matter. Some houses are open only to athletes and sponsors. Others are open to citizens visiting the games. Others are open to the public – sometimes for a price – and are an attempt to encourage tourism. Still others are basically nightclubs open to anyone willing to wait in line and hand over a few toonies ($2 coins) or loonies ($1 coins).

VIDEO: Olympic houses open doors to international cultures

The Irish House is open to anyone willing to stand in line and pay $20 to get in. It’s essentially a frat party under a massive white tent big enough to accommodate hundreds of revelers and a live band. Guinness is on tap, but it doesn’t come cheap at about $8 per glass.

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