Switzerland is a very, very bizarre place. From its embedded army (most people have a machine gun sitting at home: ready, in case some poor soul decides to invade), to the bizarre laws regarding the funding of religious organisations (you have to choose which religion you wish to pay your taxes to), to the efficiency of their airport and trains (everything runs on time: the bag collection for checked baggage even has a time-to-arrival clock for the last bag!) they just think that little bit different.

Only a quick visit, mostly to visit a friend from Sydney who is starting his post-doc at ETH Zurich: a very prestigious university. We caught up over a very good meal paid for by ETH, since I’m a visiting academic, and aparrently that’s what they do for visiting academics. This whole university thing is looking better and better as I get a little more senior!

I gave a talk about my work, and got some really useful feedback before going for a beer in the student bar (which has a gorgeous view of the city). I’m now on my way to London.