An adventurous Kaitlyn Yates has enjoyed exploring Fiji in the three months that she has been living here.

Ms Yates is the director of the FIJI Water Foundation.

She joined the team remotely during COVID-19 pandemic.

Her role as a capacity builder is to build the team up and to also investigate opportunities for the Foundation to have the biggest impact possible while also looking at their strategic plans for the next five to 10 years.

Then it was time to travel to Fiji and conduct her work in-person.

After setting foot on Fiji in January after a long-awaited arrival, she was motivated to explore every place in Fiji whenever an opportunity came across.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?
So far, I’ve been able to visit many places in Viti Levu and have gone on one trip to the Yasawas.

I love hiking which has led me to Abaca for the Mount Batilamu hike and waterfall visit.

I’ve also been up Mount Tomaniivi(also known as Mount Victoria) and got to experience hiking Fiji’s highest point.

In March, I participated in the Namosi Eco Challenge on Mount Vomo, making it to the top of another peak in Fiji.

I have also really been enjoying getting to explore the ocean while here in Fiji, taking advantage of snorkelling every chance I get.

I have also been on snorkelling cruises with South Seas and Beachcomber and both were fantastic experiences.

On Beachcomber Island I saw my first reef sharks while snorkelling!

An exciting and exhilarating experience.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To, And Why?
I have some friends who want to come visit and I am planning a super fun vacation for them based on my experience.

Of course, we will show them Fiji’s amazing beaches and ocean life, but I also think it is important that they get to know life in Lautoka, where I live.

Simply strolling the streets of the wharf at Lautoka, and visiting the market are great ways for visitors to see a different side of Fiji.

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie, And Why?

I got to experience the taste of local cuisine during a Rock Market that was held in Suva.

That was amazing. But my go to place is Coffee Hub in Ba.

Their doughnuts are my absolute favourite!

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot, And Why?
For me this would have to be Abaca because it is just 30 minutes from Lautoka.

It has hiking and swimming and you can make a day out as adventurous or casual as you’d like.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List, And Why?
I would love to learn to scuba dive as I hear that Fiji is one of the best places in the world to do this.

I’d like to visit Taveuni and Kadavu for this experience.

I love seeing the life below the ocean and it really makes you appreciate how small you are as a human when you’re in the water.

We’re not built with flippers and fins, so it puts you in a vulnerable position.

It is also a very freeing place where you just sort of let go and take in what the ocean is offering.

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