More than 180 authors have signed an open letter to Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki demanding confirmation that 12 writers detained in 2001 are still alive. Nobel prize-winning authors Olga Tokarczuk and JM Coetzee are among the high-profile signatories, alongside Colm Tóibín, Elif Shafak, Isabel Allende, Ben Okri, Yann Martel, Kamila Shamsie and Tsitsi Dangarembga. The letter was coordinated by PEN International and dated 18 September, marking 25 years since the government moved against

Subscribe to CNN Travel’s weekly “Unlocking the World” newsletter for updates on destinations, aviation, food and drink, and places to stay. In this week’s travel roundup, five Americans reflect on starting fresh in Europe. There’s also Mongolian throat singing, towering Portuguese surf and a Greek holiday romance that endured for decades. Living the dream For plenty of people, moving abroad is an irresistible ambition, though every relocation comes with benefits and challenges. CNN has spoken