He had hoped this would be enough time to "rescue Italy from financial ruin".

BBC: Italian shares hit by Mario Monti departure

The respected former EU commissioner had planned to serve until April, hoping this would be enough time to "rescue Italy from financial ruin".

BBC: Italy's Mario Monti plays for time on election issue

But time was short: Pelourinho risked becoming a ruin.

ECONOMIST: Brazilian cities

To start with, nearly all the sailing was done while we slept, giving us maximum time ashore to explore the likes of the 10, 023ft Haleakala, a one-time monster of a volcano but now a stunning, sterile ruin.

BBC: Otherworldly Hawaii, for less

Whild has been friends with Brown for a long time but is keen for the Reds to win their second qualifying round tie to ruin his old mate's weekend.

BBC: No old pals act for Redditch boss