Computex gleaning and a not so nice post-test including a sick note

Yet everything seemed so plausible at the beginning. After four hours of analyzing circuit boards and graphics cards with Asus colleagues in a small, almost cryogenic room and a private meeting in an almost even colder restaurant (including a slowly fading voice and a permanent runny nose), one thing was apparently clear: the evil air conditioner had once again executed me. By the way, the last time it had knocked me out like that was a Jensen event at Siggraph, where I cursed the exclusive front row afterwards. Then came the chills at night and I even opened the window in the hotel (luxury) and stopped all ventilation. Despite jogging suit under the comforter it hardly helped, only that at some point the cold sweat came in addition. So I resorted to the tried and tested paracetamol bomb, the elephant dosage I always have in my luggage. Apart from the extreme sore throat (the green Dolos still help best) I felt a little better early on Saturday morning. For the time being. So I’m out also the road and could actually only marvel …

Where I had sweated the days before at 33 °C and more as well as an unpleasantly high air humidity already, before I started running exceedingly, I could run for hours absolutely complaint and sweat-free briskly around and even sometimes a traffic light sprint insert, which provoked not even the breath of an Axe event. It was the first time I saw Taiwanese sweating next to me while I hurriedly rushed past. Thanks to Corona, but I didn’t know that at the time. What fascinated me most during my tour was the huge fuss about Diablo IV, including the exuberant marketing and merchandising offensive. Anyone who hasn’t seen something like that with their own eyes will hardly believe it anyway. Especially since whole families with small(er) children stared spellbound at all the big screens. Well, who needs it…

The return flight was an ordeal, even if it was not quite as bad as first feared. Thanks to some oolong teas with honey, at least my throat was a bit calmed down. But it was not nice and I was glad to be finally back home on Sunday noon. To be on the safe side, I did a quick test and a second one from another manufacturer. And both were positive. Bam! And then it was Sunday evening and there was the second power failure in Chemnitz. Unpleasant.

This morning I wanted to go to the doctor for a consultation and another private PCR test. Stupidly, some criminals had used the nightly blackout to search the doctor’s office. Full cordon by the police, next consultation hour uncertain for now. You know, Murphy, laws and all. I’ll have to get there somehow this week with a slushy head, thick neck and bleeding nose, but I’ll be fine. It’s not the first Corona slap for me, despite four vaccinations. But thanks to residual immunization, I will certainly not be a case for the hospital. Only testing and writing is somewhat limited. Well, let’s see…

So it can be summarized: Computex 2023 has proven that it is indeed a place of global exchange. Only this time, the exchange involved more than just ideas and technologies. The good news? Everyone who attended probably got more than they bargained for. The bad news? Well, let’s just hope that like everyone, we have a good immune system. We’re looking forward to Computex 2024, hopefully it will be as big an “event” as this year, but in the good way. Until then, stay healthy and let’s continue to celebrate technology – but with a little more distance and disinfectant, please. My get-well wishes go out especially to those still in quarantine at the hotel. It will be alright!