June 27th Kremlin and St Basils Church

Our luck with the weather ran out this morning – there was a very loud thunder storm early in the morning and then rain – heavy rain.  So after brekkie it was into our rain coats and onto the buses.  Being a Saturday the roads were not as congested so we got to the city centre quite quickly.  The Kremlin was our first stop.  The grounds are huge and well-guarded.  Mr Putin doesn’t live there, but the residence from back in the 1930’s is still there.  It is a mix of church and secular buildings.  We went into the Armory which houses the display of all of the ceremonial outfits of the Tsars and Queens, as well as their carriages.  Coronation chairs, crowns, lavish dresses and gifts from other nations are all on display.  It is a wonderful display.

From there it was a trip to see the inside of St Basil’s Church.  This was quite amazing – the cathedral is made up of many churches set around in a circle, but all look like one building.  Inside there are narrow passage ways, very steep steps and tiny areas that make up each church.  In the basement that we went into was where a number of the Tsars were buried.

We just out into Red Square in time to see the Military Tattoo that happens every Saturday at noon.  The marching and the horses were really impressive.

We were taken to see the world’s biggest bell – which has never rang and the world’s biggest cannon that has never fired a shot – hmmmm – not sure if that really counts if they are just a big thing that can’t perform the task they are made for.

From there back to the boat lunch.  Tonight we are off to see a World Famous dance performance.  It is meant to be very special.  No pictures allowed so might just mention it tomorrow.  Now it is time to pack as we have to leave our cabin by 9am tomorrow.