I've known Alisha for at least 10 years - we have worked together for most of those years. I found out very early in our friendship that she enjoyed traveling. Back then I knew the kinds of trips I had in mind when people in my inner circled discussed traveling. By and large, the primary travel destinations of people (in my circle 10 years ago) consisted of Miami, Las Vegas, NY,  Atlantic City and Los Angeles.

So, one day, Alisha and I were chopping it up and we started to talk about her recent trip. Keep in mind, I wasn't thinking about traveling globally 10 years ago - so I never considered the fact that others in my age range were, in fact, traveling globally.

I had already imagined where Alisha probably went for her "vacation". So, I eagerly waited to hear all about her trip to Myrtle Beach!! But guess what, Alisha fixed her lips to tell me about her exotic 1 or 2-week vacation to Greece! In my mind, I was like "whaaaaattttt????" Greece was like a honeymoon vacation - surely not where young women would travel. So, after I secretly regained my composure, I played it cool, and was like, yeah -- of course she went to Greece! Silly me...

It was in that moment, that I was reintroduced to Alisha, the avid traveler.

From that day to the present, I have shared that story with many people. And I always describe Alisha to people this way -- " remember the lady from my job who was planning to tell me about her trip and I assumed she was going to tell me about Myrtle Beach - when actually she traveled to Greece?" It's a classic story.

Alisha traveled frequently to exotic destinations overseas. And since back then I was still afraid of long-distance flights, she agreed to also bring me back my beloved postcards. So between Donna's postcards (which I hung up on my wall at work) and doing the same with Alisha's postcards, it gave the illusion that I was the avid traveler! LOL

Fast forward to the present, Alisha traveled to Hong Kong. Yes, Hong Kong. 10 -15 years later, I'm still in awe of her travel destinations.

While in Hong Kong, Alisha visited the Big Buddha and the Tai O Fishing Village which she says is a "must see" attraction. It requires riding the big lift to get there.

Her favorite meal was a cheap bowl of noodle soup from a food stand. I love a good noodle soup so I would have been in heaven.

Part of being an avid traveler means that you're open to accepting different cultural experiences -- even the food. I have always been impressed with how Alisha never hesitated to try something completely undesired by the western palette.

Alisha's travel style is spontaneous and experimental -- again being an avid traveler, she's very open to experiencing life and traditions of the local culture.

Without a doubt, Alisha will continue to satisfy her appetite for global travel and one day soon, I will accept her invitation.

Until next time Hong Kong...