In Rome under a cloudy sky

Here I am, in the Italian capital, dank but warmish at 60 degrees.

The report so far: Costs are under control.

The train from the airport to town cost 11 Euros, or about 15 dollars -- less than I'd pay for a taxi from MIA to my home.

Once here, I snagged two tourist-friendly deals. The first is the new Rome Pass, which gives you entry to the first two museums on a long list (including the Colisseum and Forum) for free plus all public transport for three days, for about $30. We'll figure out as we go whether this is a huge bargain, but given the price of taxis everywhere, I think it has to be.

My hotel room isn't ready for a few hours yet, but the place itself is clean and the staff abundantly friendly (and English speaking!) It's not a primo neighborhood but considering there's a Best Western next door and another across the street, I'm not too worried about safety. The hotel tab: $115 per night including breakfast. Can't argue with that!

Time for a spin on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. With the Rome pass, it cost 13 Euros...a discounted price that will help me reorient myself in my jetlagged state.

'til later.....