RUDESHEIM

A mini train took us to Siegfried's Musical Museum.  De put together a stunning collection of mechanical music instruments and organs,   We then paid for a Gondola ride to the top of the mountain.  Passed over vineyards where workers were tending vines, some without gloves.  It was freezing as there was no side covers.  It was fully aircomditiomed to say the least!!!   We were treated by a flurry of 'white stuff" !,

On returned we drank a well deserved Rudesheimer coffee.  A sip of brandy is poured into a special mug and set on fire, then doused with coffee and topped with whipped cream.  

On board for another delicious lunch before cruising down the Rhine George.  Many castles.  We passed through the Loreley Rock where the River has its narrowest and deepest stretch.  A lot of castles were destroyed by the French  troops in 1689.  Many were restored by the Prussians  in The 1800,s. 

Tonight we dine in a lavish castle.  During world war 1,  it was a military hospital.  Restoration work was put on hold during world war 11,   In 1988 Primce Godehard and his wife Princess Heide established a project  to make Namedy a centre of cultural activity.    Yehudi Menuhin was the patron of the festival until his death in 1999.   The prince built up the music and cultural programme at Namedy fro. Munich where he was working as a banker.  He died in 2001 and Princess Heide continued the programme.