July 13, 2001, Beijing won the opportunity to host the 2008 Olympic games. That night the entire city was celebrating. That´s the only time from my memory people were allowed to gather in Tiananmen Square as a large crowd. The following seven years was the preparation for the Games. We had new airport, a few new underground lines, several new olympic Stadiums and new streets and highways, etc. Besides the new facilities, politicians, athletes, entertainment stars and even sanitation workers had to show a passion and commitment for the Olympic Games. The Games was when the Chinese people started place new expectations on their self-image. For years being behind the West, this was their chance to be the center of the world´s attention, a chance to win worldwide respect. To this end, the government ensured that everything was mobilized, all unrest was speedily restrained, all voices of dissent should be shielded, and everyone should be seen to be happy and satisfied.