Rainy morning at the Swiss Museum of Transport

It's just before noon, and I'm sitting in the café of the Swiss Museum of Transport, watching raindrops race down the large windows while sipping on a hot chocolate. The museum opened at 10:00, and naturally, I was here at 9:50, standing under my umbrella at the entrance. Being the first visitor has its perks – I've had entire exhibits to myself for the last two hours.

The light rain that started this morning has been persistent, making this an ideal day for indoor exploration. The forecast says it might clear up this afternoon, but for now, I'm content with my decision to visit this museum today rather than hiking in the mountains as I'd initially considered.

This place is fascinating. The Swiss Museum of Transport isn't just about trains (though they have plenty). It's a comprehensive celebration of all forms of transportation – aviation, maritime, space travel, and of course, the railways that Switzerland is famous for. There's something deeply satisfying about how meticulously everything is organized and presented here.

I spent the first hour in the railway section, examining the evolution of Swiss trains. The precision engineering behind these machines is remarkable. One display showed how the rack-and-pinion system works on mountain railways, allowing trains to climb steep gradients that would be impossible with conventional tracks. I found myself mentally calculating the forces involved – old habits.

The aviation hall was equally impressive, with suspended aircraft and interactive displays explaining aerodynamics. I ducked under a few low-hanging exhibits, a familiar motion after nearly two months of travel.

What I appreciate most about this museum is how it connects transportation to the broader story of human progress. There's a thoughtfulness to the exhibits that goes beyond just displaying vehicles – they show how mobility has shaped society, connected communities, and transformed landscapes.

Tomorrow I'll be leaving Lucerne. My train to Interlaken is booked for the afternoon, so I'll have the morning to wander the old town one last time and perhaps take that boat ride on the lake if the weather improves. I've been checking the forecast hourly, hoping for a break in the clouds.

Lucerne has been a peaceful interlude in my journey. The medieval architecture, the pristine lake, the snow-dusted Alps in the distance – it's a place that invites contemplation. Yesterday's walk across the Chapel Bridge in the early morning, before the crowds arrived, was one of those perfect travel moments that I'll remember long after this trip ends.

The city wall climb was another highlight. Standing in that tower, looking out over the red rooftops to the mountains beyond, I felt a sense of perspective that's easy to lose when you're constantly moving from place to place. These moments of stillness are becoming increasingly important to me as the journey continues.

It's day 57 now. 443 days to go. Sometimes these numbers feel overwhelming, other times they feel like a gift – all this time to explore, to learn, to simply be in new places. I wonder how I'll feel at the halfway point?

The rain is easing a bit now. I think I'll finish my hot chocolate and head to the Media World section of the museum. Apparently, there's an exhibit on communication technology that sounds interesting. Then perhaps I'll find a cozy restaurant near the bridge for a late lunch. I've been craving rösti since I arrived in Switzerland, and I haven't indulged yet.

For now, I'm grateful for this warm café, this moment of reflection, and yes, even for the rain that guided me indoors today.