We had sunset cocktails of course and then Karim , our hotel griot and gardener, serenaded us at dinner which was eaten under the ‘hangar’ since a sudden rainstorm  made a starlit dinner in the garden an impossibility.

So, finally I am able to say that I have not only made contact with the British Ambassador in Mali, (attempted unsuccessfully with his predecessors some may recall)  but that he actually arrived quite on his own accord and that we had a lovely time and it will certainly not be the last time I think! Phil’s visit was not only fun but it was very important for the British Library Project. Up until now I have been the only one representing  London, since the beginning of the project in 2009. Now I have the weight of the British government behind us and the Library!