I asked Siri where the closest sushi place was after today’s sessions at the NCTE conference.  She directed me to the historic district of Alexandria, Virginia.  I must admit my geographic ignorance because I failed to realize I would be able to check off Maryland and Virginia from my States Never Visited List.  That list doesn’t actually exist, but I know I hadn’t been there.

Anyway, I ended up at a place called Ichiban.  At a quarter to six, there were more employees than diners.  My presence did not change that.  The family consisted of a gray-haired man, his wife, and their (probably) eight-year-old son.  It was a fun preview for my life, in a way!

I ordered a hot tea, which reminded me of Cracker Barrel.  It’s been a little cold here–more windy than anything–and the tea offered a cozy balance to the temperatures outside.

The sushi was on special until 6:30, so of course I ordered too much.  I’d only eaten a bagel at breakfast and a bowl of chili at lunch.  I splurged, but was able to get three rolls and a red snapper appetizer for $16.50!  It was (presumably) fresher than anything I’d had in Indiana, and it was very tasty.

But enough about what I ate.  No one really cares, right?  I do want to tell you, devoted reader, about the Historic District of Alexandria.  Go there.  It’s so quaint and endearing!  Brick buildings, brick roads, brick cheese (probably), and numerous specialty shops and restaurants.  Fellas, they have a cigars and whiskey lounge with live music every night!  Ladies, there are cute places like Three Sisters and a lingerie shop as well.  I popped in a few knick-knacky places that had loads of Christmas decor.  There was a (surprisingly busy) ice cream shop, a Starbucks, and a Gentleman’s Quarters where, if I had wanted, I could have had a close shave, a neck massage, a manicure or all (for a lot of money, unfortunately).

Between dinner and browsing, I was probably there two hours, but I could have stayed longer–I believe I only saw a little bit of King Street!