The words ‘No worries, mate’ may not sound beautiful in everyone’s ears - they do in mine. An unpolished Australian accent never fails to make me happy. Once, in an ancient past, I studied in Sydney. Ever since, that city and its inhabitants are a source of inspiration for me. Whenever I hear, see or taste Australia, I am happy.

The way Australians approach life and each other is appealing to me. Australians are relaxed, more carefree. They worry a lot less than we do. It must have something to do with the climate, but I am sure it’s not the only reason. A common Australian expression is ‘move on’ or ‘get over it’. Don’t overanalyze problems, stop nagging. I think it’s refreshing. We should apply that ourselves more often.

To understand what I mean, you just have to browse through our culinary magazine delicious. (by the way: it was first launched in Australia!). delicious. has just the feeling I am talking about. A blend of different kitchens, different tastes. With healthy ingredients and fantastic creations. Australians enjoy life, so they enjoy their food. With full dedication in a very passionate way. Complemented with those fantastic Australian wines…

If I leaf through Delicious. I find my mind starts to wander. I think about the relaxed atmosphere in Sydney. Take a Sunday morning at Manly Beach for instance. Everybody is actively engaged in sports. Children at the beach are busy mastering windsurfing. People are swimming, jogging, hiking. Some are just relaxing on a bench. In the sun. At the beach where the waves roll on eagerly. As if the waves themselves would like to line up in front of one of those coffee places that you find everywhere to get a - lovingly made - cappuccino. Mmmmm… Just the thought alone brings me enough inspiration for a full year!

Sydney simply has everything that inspires me: the friendliness and joyfulness of the locals, the sail boats in the rough sea, the laidback mentality, the architecture, a beach barbie (BBQ), a Victoria beer during a game of Aussie rules football. In short: Sydney has the Aussie way of life.

Last November I returned to get my much needed fix of inspiration. One dose of Sydney is a maintenance check-up for my body and mind. One that I would love to get every year. That’s about the only disadvantage about my inspiration point that I can think of: Down Under really is Down Under…