This amateur photographer and his family decided to visit Durdle Door. Every decision, they say, creates a dilemma. For me it was whether to carry my iPhone or Nikon L310. Readers will notice that neither is a DSLR. I have often thought of buying a DSLR, but my DW [Darling Wife to the ignoramus] shoots it down like Supreme Court shoots down Government’s decisions. Well, more about it some other time.

Returning to the dilemma – whether to carry my iPhone or Nikon L310. It was resolved when I remembered the popular ‘tyranny of ‘OR’ versus genius of ‘AND’’ story. [Borrowed with thanks from Jim Collins]. ‘AND’ it was, the problem was solved, I decided to carry iPhone AND Nikon L310!

Durdle Door is a beautiful place. Wikipedia says ‘Durdle Door (sometimes written Durdle Dor) is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, England. It is privately owned by the Welds, a family who owns 12,000 acres (50 sq km) in Dorset in the name of the Lulworth Estate. [Wow, wow!] [Italics supplied]. It is open to the public. The name Durdle is derived from the Old English ‘thirl’ meaning bore or drill.’

As we reached there I found a couple walking down the hill. Out came the camera. Click. One must capture the moment. It does not wait for you.

The DW stopped to tie her shoe lace. One more Click. Quo vadis, DW?

It was not very cold, I thought. Englishmen said it was hot. Well, Indians and the British have their differences. Be that as it may. Both agreed that beach was the right place to go to. As you start climbing down, you are suddenly awestruck by the beautiful landscape.

And when you observe keenly, you find people going long way to enjoy the thrill. Young couple can do it, old ones can only watch them, smile and say ‘Remember? Those were the days’ like I told my DW.

But even they sat down. Knees must have taken a lot of beating! Ask me!!

Then you walk a few more steps and you see a stunningly beautiful landscape.

And I found one more man on top of the hill with hands raised like a tennis player who just won Wimbledon. Why do they go up the hill where a beautiful beach awaits them is a mystery.

This is the other end of the beach. You will notice a small ‘door’ in the hill. Near the sea level. ‘When one door closes another door opens’ they say. At Durdle Door, when you leave behind one door, you see another! And you can cross it only if you know swimming!!

I wanted to capture photograph of a bird flying through the ‘door’, but I could not. This is the best what I could get. Not too bad, what do you say?

And info for the tourists.

Durdle Door. A wonderful place to visit. Even if you have an iPhone or Nikon L310. Or even if you do not have a DSLR.

Or even if you do not carry a camera!

But don’t tell this to my DW, I am still persuading her to get me a DSLR.

Vivek S Patwardhan