'Malayalis like to comment on bikini pictures, watched double meaning video'; Backpacker Arunima reveals

Arunima, a popular solo travel vlogger among Malayalis, has captured the hearts of her followers with her unique travel stories. Known for cycling through numerous countries alone, she often posts humorous videos documenting her experiences, primarily focusing on rural African villages. Her vlogs have provided Malayali audiences with a rare insight into the lives of African villagers, often highlighting the stark realities they face.

In a recent interview with a YouTube channel, Arunima revealed the struggles she endures to produce these videos, as well as the criticisms she often receives. “It’s challenging to capture footage in various parts of Africa,” she shared. “Sometimes, I even have to pay a significant amount to enter each household. For people in rural Africa, getting an early meal or buying a dress is their immediate goal. I’m making videos here to shed light on their lives.”

Despite her efforts, Arunima has faced financial difficulties, mentioning that her earnings from YouTube don’t always cover her expenses. She expressed frustration over the reactions from some Malayalis who focus more on her occasional beach pictures or “bikini photos” rather than the insightful content she creates. “People tend to engage with my posts only if there’s a sensational element, like a waterfall or a catchy caption but when I showcase the harsh realities of life, the response is muted. It’s disheartening,” she added.

One of Arunima's more popular videos, showcasing the unique marriage customs of an Ethiopian tribe, has sparked significant interest. She recounted, “Men in this tribe must stand on top of bulls without any clothes to prove their eligibility for marriage. I added a double-entendre caption and that video gained a lot of views. I enjoy filming things that are unfamiliar to most people.”

Arunima also spoke about a distressing incident she faced during her travels. “Recently, in Angola, I was biking with a stranger on a deserted road surrounded by forest. At one point, he inappropriately touched me. Though I couldn’t speak the local language, I was furious. I turned on my camera and he eventually backed off. Later, I reported the incident to villagers at the next stop,” she recounted.