DaveJ (the maker of dust and cobble) has been interviewed over at TDTFFC, go to the interviews section.. as it's in flash.. here's an excerpt..
go go gomouse: But aside from your excellent play balance, and your new textures, what do you feel will make this map unique?
DaveJ: Erm, well, it's pretty different to anything else in CS. It's meant to be REAL. the closest thing to it is probably Italy.
mouse: HOT DAMN! It's about time!