Standing at the Forum with the Colosseum in the distance, I could feel the weight of being at the center of Rome. I could see the senators crowding the plaza in their white togas waiting to reach a quorum. I could feel the city teeming with Roman citizens.
St. Peter's Basilica was amazing. I loved the flowing statues and the beams of light falling through the dome. I'd probably still say that La Segrada Familia is the most beautiful church I've been in, but St. Peter's comes very close. The Vatican Museum was lackluster, possibly only because my expectations were too high. Once again, women were turned away for having bare shoulders. I found it quite ironic that inside the museum were nude statues and paintings, yet it is sacrilegious to view this nude art with bare shoulders. I wasn't moved by the Sistine Chapel at all. I realize what an accomplishment it is, but that doesn't make it beautiful. My favorite part of the chapel was actually the worker there trying in vain to keep people from talking or taking pictures. I don't understand why photos are not allowed. It seems like the church should want its imagery to be seen by as many people as possible.
Goodbye, Rome. Goodbye, Europe. Hello, Asia.