CAST AWAY

TV travel host and YouTuber Eva Zu Beck has had many adventures in her nomadic life.Butnoneliketheoneshe’slivingrightnow— self-isolation on a remote island in Yemen during a travel ban.

How did you end up on a remote island in Yemen?

I arrived in Socotra a few days before the travel bans started kicking in. While most people decided to leave on the last flight, I stayed. I knew I was healthy, and the island was likely to remain virus-free. Going home meant travelling a long distance to my elderly grandparents’ place; it was not worth the risk.

Tell us a little bit about the island of Socotra.

Socotra is a pristine, remote island in the Gulf of Aden. Although it falls in Yemen, it’s closer to Somalia. There aren’t many modes of transport to get in and out, apart from a few boats and one or two planes a week. Despite the ongoing civil war on the mainland of Yemen, Socotra has largely remained peaceful. There are about 60,000 people living on the island. Life is simple here—on most days, people eat fish and rice, hike in the mountains or swim in the sea.

Where are you living on the island, and how are you affording the extended stay?

I mostly camp on the beaches, or when it’s warm enough, sleep on a mattress under the stars. Whenever I’m in the town, I stay in a basic officelike space. But it is going to get windy soon, so I’m looking to rent a house or a room in a village. I host a TV show on travel, and I had two other projects lined up that have been postponed indefinitely. So, I am not earning right now, but I do have some savings that will support my stay for a while.

How are you spending your time?

Luckily, the island is not under lockdown. I spend most of my time writing, making short vlogs for my YouTube channel, reading, and hiking. Today, being outdoors is a luxury for most people, so I’m trying to make the most of it.

How are the locals reacting to the pandemic?

Though no one on the island has tested positive, the biggest worry is that someone could bring the disease to the island. I recently visited a girls’ school in the capital and gave a presentation on the novel coronavirus—the symptoms, risks, and so on. Though we are getting ready to face it, everyone hopes it never comes to that.

Who are your companions on the isle?

I am with four friends. Two of them happen to be excellent fishermen, so we get to eat fresh seafood every day. One of them also works as a guide on the island, so he knows all the beautiful, hidden locales.

Socotra is a remote island in the Gulf of Aden. Inset: Eva Zu Beck spends her time fishing and hiking.