Discovering the truth behind the mask of fear

It was confirmed the suspected man didn't have the virus and our quarantine ended. Eager to learn about Beijing, we took the subway system and toured the city. After losing that first week, I'd have to work double-time to see every desired site.

I realized just how populated China is - everyday carts filled to capacity at all hours.

I learned a little shoving and self-interest would be necessary to manage underground. Confidence, force and pretending to know what you're doing are necessary to survive.

I familiarized myself with the city, saw hutong lanes, and visited Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Lama and Confucius temples.

The magnificence and tradition of every place awoke an unexpected admiration and understanding of China - particularly Beijing.

I read the carefully carved words on gold plates and stones that described the history of each place - amazed by the way their rulers were treated and still respected, the way the government was run, the customs and traditions.

I saw the candid national pride of every citizen, the ease at which they live, and the palpable pleasure and serenity possessed by the running children, dice-playing men and dancing women.

I felt guilty for my preconceived notions of the country and its government policies.

I saw that every measure was necessary to protect the ever-growing number of people, currently totaling nearly 1.4 billion.

With so many people, the spread of a virus like H1N1 would be catastrophic for the citizens I respect and the country I'd call home for the next two months.