"He leans towards Paris because he knows the ways around and its familiar to him."

An excellent reason to visit Rome. It will broaden his horizons.

"As far as Rome goes, hes worried because he's heard its really dirty there . . . "

It's not.

" . . . and that the food is terribly expensive."

It's not.

Expenses I think are roughly comparable. Both wonderful cities. Paris I think a little more formal, Rome a little moodier.

Fra_Diavolo...ahh you are after my own heart! Ha! I'm trying to get my husband out of the box. I've been to Europe several times, him not so much. He tends to go where he feels comfortable, gotta get him out of the BOX!

Ira--after more than a year of reading your postings about Italy I was also surprised to learn you have never "gotten up the desire" to visit Rome. It does help to explain why when you are suggesting itineraries you recommend a relatively short time there.