Namedy Castle is a 14th-century moated castle near the Rhine at Andernach that was converted into a palace complex in 1890. The property has been owned by a private family – the Princes of Hohenzollern – since 1907. In 1989, Prince Godehard inherited the castle and restored it with the support of a preservation society. They established a cultural programme that offers arts events – jazz, classical music, theatre, art, dance etc. He died over 20 years ago and his wife has carried on the legacy. She was absolutely charming. Her daughter and granddaughter live in the former stable buildings alongside, and her son has also died. She loves to keep the house full of people whenever possible.
During the war it was used as a hospital for German soldiers and many items of importance were lost and damaged, but they have been resilient. Other than her living quarters we had free rein and enjoyed bubbles, coffee and cake. Quite a special experience.
Of course, no Rhine sailing for us for us, a 90 minute bus brought us here.
We stopped in at the Roman medieval walled town of Andernach, population 30,000 for lunch and free time, receiving €30 each to purchase lunch, as also happened on our last boat transfer. Very generous really. Our bakery lunch and gelato came to about €12 but some people went to restaurants.
The next leg was less exciting. Two 2 hour stints which finally got us to Utrecht in the Netherlands where we boarded the Polaris receiving a warm and lively welcome from the crew. The countryside was so dry, with many crops frizzled up, including young trees being grown for market, lilies, potatoes and grapevines. The odd centre pivot but not operating. It’s very grim. Many solar panels and windmills.
Following a yummy dinner we enjoyed the very balmy evening up on the sun deck and tried to get good photos of the solar eclipse.
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