Farewell preparations and a final Swiss evening

It's approaching 7pm and I find myself sitting at a small café near the train station, sipping a hot chocolate that's more like a liquid dessert than a beverage. The temperature has dropped considerably since this afternoon, and the chill in the air reminds me that winter is on its way to the Alps.

I spent most of today preparing for my departure tomorrow. It's been a wonderful few days in Interlaken - more peaceful and contemplative than I expected. This morning I woke early and decided to make the most of my final full day here by taking one last walk along the Aare River. The water was particularly vibrant today, that impossible turquoise somehow more pronounced against the partly cloudy sky.

The weather forecast promised showers, but I was lucky enough to enjoy my morning walk in a pocket of dryness. By midday, I'd returned to my hotel to organize my backpack - a ritual I'm becoming increasingly efficient at after two months on the road. It's remarkable how quickly 61 days have passed. Nearly 440 still stretch ahead of me, but already I feel changed by this journey.

After sorting my belongings, I ventured out again to purchase a few small souvenirs. I found a beautiful wooden carving of a Swiss pine tree that somehow fits perfectly in the side pocket of my backpack. The craftsmanship is exquisite - each needle carefully detailed. The shopkeeper told me it was made by a local artisan who's been carving for over forty years.

"Where are you headed next?" she asked as she wrapped my purchase.

"I'm not entirely sure," I admitted. "I'm thinking of heading south toward Italy."

She nodded approvingly. "Good choice for this time of year. The weather will be milder there."

I considered going to see the Thun Water Magic show this evening. It sounded fascinating - light, water, and music along the River Aare in Thun. But after checking the train schedules and realizing I'd need to navigate back late at night, I decided against it. Sometimes the practical choice wins out over the adventurous one.

Instead, I found this cozy café where I'm now reflecting on my time in Switzerland. The chocolate workshop was definitely a highlight - learning about the precision required for proper tempering gave me a new appreciation for the craft. And the boat trip on Lake Brienz with its otherworldly waters is something I'll never forget.

The café is gradually emptying as evening deepens. Through the window, I can see the silhouettes of mountains against the darkening sky. They've been constant companions during my time here, sometimes hidden by clouds, other times standing in sharp relief against blue skies.

I've checked my train ticket three times already - a 10:24 departure tomorrow heading south. I'll arrive at the station by 10:05, giving me plenty of time to find the right platform.

As I finish my hot chocolate, I realize I'm not feeling the usual restlessness that typically pushes me onward. There's a certain contentment in knowing I've experienced this place fully, even if I didn't check off every item on my original list. I never made it up to Harder Kulm for those panoramic views - the weather wasn't cooperative enough. But that's alright. Perhaps that's a reason to return someday.

The waitress brings my bill, and I leave a generous tip. As I step outside, the evening air is crisp and clean. A light drizzle has started, but I don't mind the short walk back to my hotel. Tomorrow brings new adventures, but tonight I'll savor these final Swiss moments - the sound of the river, the silhouette of mountains, and the memory of turquoise waters that seem to defy natural explanation.

Day 61 of 500: 439 days remaining