We often get asked why we would leave in winter. The answer is simple: the quiet and remoteness of the season are exactly what we’re seeking. While summer might promise ease, it’s winter’s solitude that inspires us to embrace the unknown and keeps us moving forward.

This chronicle is about holding this summer close to our heart before changing course. A course that will certainly change us and leave a sign.

A hike we had postponed for far too long finally happened, offering breathtaking views that reminded us why the Alps are etched in our hearts (Read More About This Hike).

Afternoons turned into spontaneous swims in Vevey, evenings into picnics and deep, inspiring conversations with friends. Each moment was a conscious act of appreciation, a reminder that goodbyes are sweeter when filled with gratitude.

These weeks were also a precious opportunity to reconnect deeply with people we love. We spent time with Stefan’s family—sharing meals, catching up on stories, and enjoying simple moments that will carry us through the months at sea. Our circle of friends filled our days with laughter, thoughtful conversations, and support. Each hug, each smile reminded us how lucky we are to have such a strong network, even as we prepare to leave.

Beyond family and friends, our farewell tour wouldn’t have been complete without visits to our favorite local spots. We lingered at the café where the barista knows exactly how we like our coffee, browsed the flower shop that brightened our days with colors and scents, and stopped by the butcher who always offered cooking tips along with cuts of meat. These places were more than shops—they were woven into the rhythm of our lives, and saying goodbye to them was like closing a well-loved chapter.

Amidst the social gatherings and errands, we kept our professional commitments. I worked at the bio-store until the very end, feeling gratitude for the daily connections with customers and colleagues. At the same time, I finalized my coaching website, grounding my practice for the journey ahead. Stefan balanced his own work commitments while also mapping out the next upgrades waiting for us on the boat. It was a demanding but fulfilling period—tying up loose ends while laying the foundation for what comes next.

Another key focus for me was researching sustainable ways to live onboard. I wanted to ensure that the products we use—whether for showering, cleaning, or cooking—don’t harm the waters we’ll soon call home. From biodegradable soaps to eco-friendly detergents, each choice felt like a small but vital step toward respecting the sea.

The following resources helped me find better solutions that align with our values and our lifestyle:

• 100 Ways To Go Zero Waste
• Green Boating Guide
• 100 Steps to a Plastic Free Life

This process was not just practical, but also grounding—it reminded me that preparation isn’t only about logistics, but also about aligning with our values. Working at Bokoloko for the past 8 months certainly helped becoming even more sensitive to the impact that whatever we buy has not only on our body but also on our environment. BOKOLOKO – Bio and packaging-free.

These last two months have been both a farewell and a beginning. We hiked mountains, swam in lakes, grilled with friends, worked until the final days, and spent afternoons in places that have become part of our identity. We’ve stored away belongings, packed our essentials, and prepared mentally for a shift that will take us from the heart of Switzerland to the open sea.

Now, with hearts full and minds focused, we’re ready to embrace the quiet of winter, the vastness of the ocean, and the challenges that lie ahead. Switzerland gave us a beautiful send-off—one filled with love, friendship, and gratitude—and it will always be the place we return to, no matter how far we sail.

Read more about how we landed to VAGO and how this whole adventure started for us in this Blog Article. More about who we are as human beings here The Crew aboard Project-VAGO