Albanian Staircase

Well, I tried. I really tried. I thought "well, maybe the scenery makes up for the crappy roads". But then the scenery was covered with trash. "Well, maybe the food makes up for the trashed scenery". But the food has literally made me sick (I blame some late-night sweets that had probably been out all day). "Okay, but surely the people will impress me with their kindness". Im still on the line about this one. Like almost anywhere, the people range from bending over backwards for me, simply curious or nonplussed. No overly negative reactions yet, but just not feeling all that welcomed. "Alright, but surely something is nice about Albania?". I guess if there is one upside to this, its been that the place is very cheap. Not breaking the bank on being here!
Anyways...putting the last 3 miserable days on the freezing rain-soaked, smog-filled highway (including a stint of 70km with food poisoning) aside, Im happy to be moving on to Greece tomorrow. If all goes to plan, I should arrive in Ionania tomorrow evening. Then I hope to meet up with some potential riding partners before heading down towards Athens. Perhaps swinging off to Pelopennese (ala Cary Barber's instructions).
I had all kinds of deep thoughts and reflections for you folks after some pretty miserable riding, but they seem to have vanished underneath my exhaustion and general malaise. Perhaps another time. Im off to try a second attempt at regional food, this time hopefully minus the gut-wrenching effects tomorrow AM!