But two years ago, my friend Cristina Di Benigno invited me to lunch in her village near Corvara, a tiny, little-known ruin of a town in Abruzzo, about an hour by car from the port city of Pescara.

WSJ: Dan Fante on Silent, Ancient Corvara, Italy | Traveler's Tale

On getting to Manono after a hazardous journey, free of the usual hyperbole that Congo travels inspire, Mr Rawlence discovers the ruin of a town that once triumphed over nature before becoming its prey.

ECONOMIST: Life in Congo: War and peace | The

Campaigners in a Nottinghamshire town say plans to build 1, 000 new homes could ruin the character of the town.

BBC: Campaigners oppose 1,000-home plan for Bingham

Columbus, New Mexico (CNN) -- Mayor Nicole Lawson is only 37, but her hair is already turning white as she tries to keep this border town corrupted more than a year ago by Mexican cartels from falling deeper into financial ruin.

CNN: On the border: Guns, drugs -- and a betrayal of trust