Entering Beijing's Olympics bubble is a surreal experience

FILE - Olympic workers in protective gear work at a credential validation desk at the Beijing Capital International Airport ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

FILE - A member of airport personnel dressed in protective gear leads passengers into the customs area at the Beijing Capital International Airport ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

FILE - A passenger is directed to a bus by an Olympic worker wearing protective gear at the Beijing Capital International Airport ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Two workers in protective gear walk way from a train car designated for Olympic workers after disinfecting it at a train station ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

FILE - A passenger waits in the holding area in front of a member of airport personnel wearing protective gear at the Beijing Capital International Airport ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

FILE - Two Olympic workers wearing protective gear work at a loading zone at the Beijing Capital International Airport ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)