The 25th of October is one of the most important and hotly anticipated days of the year, and this one was no exception. After counting down each hour and minute until my birthday arrived, it kicked off with an unexpected visit from the 'birthday bunny' which Phoebe claims she saw break into our room and deposit presents, including a rather fetching tiara which convinced multiple confused Czechs that I was getting married.

Following this, the morning consisted of annoying most of the scholars with my new-found talent for playing the harmonica, courtesy of the birthday bunny and visiting one of the most interesting places in the Prague region: the Skoda factory. This was undoubtedly an extremely appropriate location for a 17th birthday although after observing such an array of vintage cars I decided I will probably never learn to drive, as I can only just manage a bicycle.

The afternoon was spent visiting Prague castle and admiring the impressive gothic architecture of the St Vitus' Cathedral, complete with flying buttresses and gothic arches. We finished off the day's historical visits with a fantastic view of Prague from the top of an old spying tower, which some enjoyed more than others. I have never seen Gabriel so silenced as he was by the terrifying heights. At this point I would like to thank Mr Kitzinger for his most appreciated gifts of the coolest badge which has earned me a lot of street cred, and the highly useful cup.

We rounded off my most memorable birthday with a visit to a rather sauna-like jazz club. As usual, the scholars brought the party to Prague being possibly the most enthusiastic audience the musicians had ever seen. Highlights of the evening for me included 'getting down' with my main gal P. Smith to some funky jazz and enjoying probably one of the longest drum solos in history.

Overall it was certainly one of the most unusual and best birthdays I've had and I'd like to thank everyone for putting up with my annoying birthdayness and harmonica playing.

Maddie Parr