No Worries

I just returned from three weeks in New Zealand and Australia.  Both countries were so clean, young and fresh.  After traveling through Europe and the Middle East it is amazing to visit a country that is younger than the United States.  By the rest of the world’s standards these two countries are rough, isolated, and vast.  But they are also beautiful, clean, and relatively hassle free.  The cuisine is simple and fresh.  The meats and vegetables are cooked using very little spice and virtually no sauces.  Nothing overly excites the palette; however nothing hides the authenticity of the food.
The people are like the food; simple and somewhat plain but authentic and friendly. Ask an Aussie or Kiwi for help and they become your friend. It’s somewhat refreshing to be around people who are relaxed and happy.  That’s not to say that they don’t have their economic woes.  Times are tough everywhere and both of these countries are suffering job losses, financial schemes, and government bail outs.  It’s just that their problem is a much smaller scale than ours and they seem to take it all in stride. Life goes on. The Aussies and kiwis have a saying that sums it all up, “No worries mate.”  This phrase means everything from your welcome to it will all sort itself out.
Ask an Aussie or Kiwi for something or mention a problem and they all respond with a smile and “no worries mate.” With this kind of response all one can do it smile. Several times we had travel problems and each time a nice person helped us.  When was the last time you met person after person who was friendly, helpful, and made you smile?
I left down under with a feeling of warmth and relaxation. I had felt safe and laid back for my entire stay.  Would I go back? No and I’m glad to be home. I missed the urban culture of an old city such as those found in Europe and the history and depth of a place such as Egypt.  I have learned through my travels that I mostly enjoy art and architecture as well as the excitement of spices and unusual dishes from more exotic cultures. 
However, what I will always love and appreciate about the folks below the equator is their easy style, comfortable manner, and way of excusing everything with the simple phrase, “no worries mate.”  I hope I can retain that feeling and outlook as it makes everything seem a little easier and a little closer to the truth. For the truth be told if we could all share and give with a little warmth and sincerity we might all be able to ease the stressful burdens of life by smiling with an extended hand and the simple phrase, “no worries mate.”
Doctor Lynn
www.doctorlynn.com