So, we had a nervy Thursday morning when the news came through that there had been a big crash on the M5 and the Physics trip to Cern had missed their flight to Geneva. So as to avoid a similar fate, Mr Smith flung out message after message bringing the departure time forward earlier and earlier. Typically we missed all heavy traffic altogether on our longer route across the Somerset Levels and thus arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Time wisely invested in card games and coffee drinking.

Eventually our flight number was called out and we boarded the plane, embarking on our trip to Prague - 2 and three quarter hours away. As we stood in the queue waiting to board there were three policemen, heavily armed with truncheons, observing all the passengers. Clever money was that they were watching the behaviour of a Stag Party, the groom from which was wearing drag. It was funny watching him have to remove his wig to clear customs and to have his ticket checked at the boarding gate. A strong outside bet was that it was Mr Smith they had under surveillance given his name and his growing repute as an MI5 agent (or, perhaps, some theories had it, a double agent).

Upon arrival in Prague we were made to remain in our seats whilst Czech stormtroopers swarmed the aircraft, securing it and removing a member of the Stag Party. From what we could make out the offence had been inappropriate comments and actions towards one of the female Cabin Crew.

A bus ride later, through the suburbs and across the Vltava River, we arrived at our hotel, handily located for the Namesti Republiky metro station (line B). The teachers dragged us around for a walk, a thinly disguised attempt to wear us out before they could go for a beverage (or, in Mr Smith's case, to call the Kremlin).

Ed Denton