Career-driven Umeshwar Raju works behind the scenes at Baravi Handicraft, the ultimate stop-over on the Queens Highway for motorists travelling anywhere between Votua and Maui Bay.
An avid traveller, he now sits as administration officer at Jack’s Vatukarasa shop, known for its convenience in quick bites, souvenir purchases, and easy parking.
In 2015, he had a stint at Jack’s two shops in Papua New Guinea, before he returned to continue with the company’s Fiji venture.
Mr Raju has served Jack’s for the past 14 years.
He was raised in Olosara, on the outskirts of Sigatoka Town.
Where in Fiji would you take friends to?
The mainland is a good place to start.
Baravi Handicrafts and Café, Vatukarasa, now in its third ownership, is a great start, because it is where we treat locals and tourists alike – no bias.
What is your favourite spot for a coffee or pie?
Baravi Handicrafts has the best coffee and pie.
I have travelled to other destinations, which do not match the same strength of coffee, or tasty pies as we have.
What are some of your favourite backyard spots?
Sovi Bay, and the old Korotogo back road.
It’s a quiet place, which makes it appealing, backed by the sea breeze, you have the whole ocean view at your feet.
Which places in Fiji would you include on your bucket list?
Tavua and Rakiraki.
I anticipate the surprise factor in the resorts we have yet to discover there.
Savusavu and Labasa.
I want to feel what the pictures of those places portray.
I won’t travel there with the giddy feeling of excitement that most travellers experience.
I want that element of surprise.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj