First, the fact we were allowed inside is a sign of the changes in the post Soviet era. Tourists just didn't pass through the gates in those times.
Second was the Kremlin itself. It was so different that I'd envisioned. I had seen photos of Red Square and the Kremlin walls, both of red brick. I assumed the red brick theme would continue inside. Not so.
The Kremlin is more like a small city of 17th and 18th century buildings that now serve as offices, museums and other similar "state" uses. There is even a 1960's vintage building (that looks totally out of place) that once was home to their "congress" that is now used for cultural events.
The Kremlin walls also contain a number of very old churches that survived the Soviet era when many churches in Moscow and elsewhere were literally blown up and lost.
Following a walk around the grounds we retired to the "armory building" which is now a museum housing treasures from the imperial era. Having just read "Catherine the Great," by Massey, I was able to better appreciate the timing of the events and some of the characters involved.
Tuesday the good ship M/S Rossia will cast off for the first time and take us north to Uglich. Internet connection may be lost but, somehow, we will survive.
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