Driving Around India in a Colorful Van: Meet Mariele Wunderink of the Netherlands

Marielle Wunderink and her van have been attracting the attention of locals and tourists in Mamallapuram for more than a month.

Fishermen, tourists, police and children gather around trying to peek inside. The Maruti Suzuki Omni van is depicted with mermaids, flowers and a free-spirited woman with her hair loose: images that resonate with the personality of its owner. More unusually, it is wrapped in heady notes of sandalwood, cinnamon and jasmine.

“I like to call it my temple on wheels, where I take my passions across the country,” says Marielle, who settles in a cafe after a four-hour-long surf session. “The van is not only home, but also my business on wheels. Plus, all of my surfboards and skateboards are mounted on the roof, which allows me to surf anywhere I can see the wave. ,

Marielle lives and travels in this minivan. Originally from the Netherlands, she first arrived at the fishing village on 29 July to participate in the Mahabs Point Break and Covelong Point Surf Festivals. Although she did not progress beyond the semi-finals, she was so fascinated by the city that she decided to stay back in Mamallapuram to work, and also to surf daily. “I got the van in Delhi and traveled from Rajasthan to Goa, drove a lot in and around Goa, and then went to Bombay, Mangalore before moving to Chennai,” she adds.

Since 2020, Marielle has been running a small business called Jampa Creations, selling organic, handmade scented candles, incense and oils, from her van. Explaining why she loves traveling by van, she says, “This way, I get to see offbeat, undiscovered places. And since the van is my home, I can stop and explore wherever and whenever I want. ,

The vehicle has a built-in bed and storage space. Marielle finds space for a yoga mat, books, her clothes, a rug, skateboard and surfboard and most importantly, her speakers. “Keeping the van clean and tidy is important and so is organization,” she says.

During the visit she keeps an eye on the petrol bunk with shower and washroom facilities. Sometimes she finds families who allow her to use their washrooms. If her mobile or laptop battery runs out, she goes to the cafe for a meal, so that the devices can be charged.

Marielle Wonderink | photo credit: special arrangement

A firm believer in the joys of campervan life, she is happy to talk to inquisitive visitors as she feels it is an ideal way for people to balance work and travel, now working from home is a must in the post-lockdown world. Chances are.

The van brings a sense of freedom and saves a lot of money and time,” she says. It also enriches his life by being a conversation starter. Marielle’s vision is to buy a Tempo Traveler with solar panels to make this lifestyle more sustainable.

She says it makes life a lot easier: a dinner of grilled vegetables and a chance to sleep under the stars.