In the beginning, we searched the ashes of our “English Patient” for stories from lost times, for the hushed splendour of famous grand hotels, for splendid art deco sideboards and sedate club chairs.

We hoped to meet the Cliftons, as they got off their biplane back in Zarzura, dressed in khaki and shiny boots, the white silk scarf wrapped around the neck…

Now that the ashes have gone with the wind, we realise that he lives completely in the here and now, a traveller through time and charming companion on the dangerous pavements of our present.

Surrounded by a little secret, he leaves us with a touch of nostalgia.