This looks artificial, like a set for a model railroad.

We also thought so. It seems so unfortunate that such stereotyping can persist even in to the "modern" age.

Interesting!

To me it looks more like decoration than story telling. Probably Renaissaance frescos intending to give a 3-dimensional illusion of depth or height to the ceiling. I think a little story telling is there, too, in the little ovals to the right and left.

That was one of the most amazing moments of my life…and not in a good way! The only consolation is that I think the guy on the crotch rocket was as frightened as I was. I do agree, I find motorcycles are usually great on the road.

Might be a bit glum after a few months but for a short stay that castle wall view is pretty cool!

We’ve seen quite a few snowplough signs in Sicily too. Not what we expected!

Definitely on closest to the bathroom. It is easier to stumble there at 2am if it is a shorter distance.

I agree with you on that!

Might be Glossopappus macrotus.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/513566-Glossopappus-macrotus/browse_photos

Might be bugloss.

https://spain.inaturalist.org/taxa/75429-Anchusa-azurea/browse_photos

we also have motel room criteria. I like a night stand on both sides of the bed, and I feel smug when 'my side' is closest to the bathroom!

There is none of that bygone Portugal left, or at least none that we saw anywhere. You were lucky to have caught some of it before it disappeared.

And here we thought it was us that had jinxed it by thinking how lucky we have been with the weather, and all the time it was you.

You would think/hope it might have improved over the years....