Long-haul travel is surely one of mankind's oddest examples of selfharm. Nonetheless, after several 8+ hour flights, almost as many hours in stopovers, I'm in Springtime Switzerland.

While "summering in Europe" is usually the stuff of decadence and holiday, I'm here for my Elective. I'm placed at a hospital in South-west Switzerland for eight weeks of Adolescent health.

Before that kicks off, however, the plan is to spend some time with Batman, who's been Medical-globetrotting for the last rotation, aswell as watching some Bicycle Racing in the Dolomites.

So, a few quick observations from the last week;

1. Sure, it's cool to have a soft-toy attached to your stethoscope, but if you only put it on for the exam, then maybe you're missing the point.

2. Exams. If you're in the final year of medicine, then a) you've done more than 100 exams in your life, b) they now closely mimic professional practice, and c) they're only looking to weed out the bad eggs. This means you shouldn't freak out at the word 'exam'.

3. If you can't speak the same language as the person serving you at a cafe, be prepared for the service to take just a touch longer. You'll be madder if the wrong food comes out, right?

4. Cycling Paradise as Europe is, I still can't understand why no-one wears a helmet.

5. Something I already knew, but was yet to see in action from a first person point of view, is the speed at which face-grazes heal vs. ankle-grazes.

6. When airlines lose your bag, they really don't care. Whilst it might turn up eventually, you're still stuck in the same clothes for two six days. Bad luck Batman.

Switzerland is a truly beautiful place in the Spring; wildflowers, waterfalls, azure lakes, snow-capped peaks and the ringing of cowbells. Next week, to the Giro!