Why send a postcard from Timbuktu?

Who still sends postcards? In a world where digital communications mean we can be in touch in an instant, what part does this old-fashioned missive play?

Postcards from Timbuktu does exactly what the name suggests. You can be anywhere in the world, log on to your computer and send a postcard that will travel to your destination via one of the most remote places in the world.

But does it work? Journalist Dhruti Shah sent a note to herself but did her postcard ever turn up?

Video journalists: Dhruti Shah and Dougal Shaw