Today, the Kremlin, as solemn and serene as ever on the outside.
What's special is that it's closed to tourists, barring entry to any uninvited guests, as there's said to be an important event taking place within.
At the center of the Kremlin, the Angel Gabriel Cathedral, had been freshly painted, showcasing snow-white walls and golden domes.
Outside the church, a long red carpet had been laid, stretching directly into the grand hall of the church.
On both sides of the red carpet stood two rows of honor guards dressed in red ceremonial uniforms and topped with high golden caps.
This ceremonial guard attire is rarely seen, neither the type for military parades nor the kind for Puding's swearing-in ceremonies at the Kremlin, but rather reminiscent of those seen during the Tsarist Russia period at the palace.
It must be said that some thought was put into today's ceremony by the Kremlin.
The choice of honor guard, neither presumptuous nor lacking in dignity and significance.
