But he said fear and boredom, were the ruin of many of any nation.

Another trait of a great civilization was a united community under strong leadership. A great nation isn't always divided, and does not waste its time squabbling over the hairstyles of its leaders.

I am not wearing rose-colored glasses and I can see many of China's glaring defects.

Tackling pollution, corruption and China's urbanization - the greatest movement of people in the history of the world - is an enormous task.

Crucial issues will not be solved in a season, but smart strategies are in place, and these plans are adjusted to better address problems. For example, from this year following the earthquake, every new school built in China will have to pass a much stricter building code.

After the Games are over, China will heave a collective sigh, probably collapse from exhaustion, wake up, have breakfast and bounce back on the road to happy destiny.

I've just signed up for another year in the capital and I can't wait to see the next episode in one of the great chapters of history.