Tereza

"The days she walked through the streets of Prague taking pictures of Russian soldiers and looking danger in the face were the best of her life. They were the only time when the television series of her dreams had been interrupted and she had enjoyed a few happy nights. The Russians had brought equilibrium to her in their tanks, and now that the carnival was over, she feared her nights again and wanted to escape them. She now knew there were conditions under which she could feel strong and fulfilled, and she longed to go off into the world and seek those conditions somewhere else."

- Milan Kundera, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being'

Thus is the sentiment towards mediocrity and monotony. If subjection to an established system denotes true happiness then so be it. But to live 'deliberately' (as Thoreau puts it) implies active participation and avoiding to take the most convenient route like many of us simply do. Traveling might seem a flamboyant and alternative path, but it has simultaneously made me understand Tereza. 

On a side note, I'm hoping that my visa would be approved in two days' time. Then it's time to go. (: