Count the churches Sara

 What is a hamlet and what is a village.  I ask this because we are going across the wide open spaces.  Everyso often a small reverlet offers a little light relief but it is buildings we crave.  Are these villages?  Are they really only hamlets?  Were they villages that used to be villages?




The Cambridge online dictionary defines a hamlet as ‘a small village, usually without a church’  This is not very helpful.  It says a village is ‘a group of houses and other buildings that is smaller than a town, usually in the countryside:’  Again.  It is a bit in the eye of the beholder.  To be honest Collins is not much more helpful but they are certainly keen on being church-less.



Wiki says


‘Village or Tribe – a village is a human settlement or community that is larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. The population of a village varies; the average population can range in the hundreds. Anthropologists regard the number of about 150 members for tribes as the maximum for a functioning human group.

Hamlet or Band – a hamlet has a tiny population (fewer than 100), with only a few buildings. A social band are the simplest level of foraging societies with generally a maximum size of 30 to 50 people; consisting of a small kin group, no larger than an extended family or clan.


That does come with a ‘this may be original research’ warning.




Today we cross the Puente de Virues.  It has 2  reviews, a 3 and a 5.  Susi said ‘Very pretty and well preserved’ but only gave 3 stars.





Beyond it is Virues, which has a church so is a village.  It looks a fairly standard and solid Castilian number but gets a 1,2 and 3 star review with no hint of why.






We end the day in another village.  Lozares de Tobalina has a church and a place to stay.







El Balcon Tobalines seems very approved of by its visitors.  Sara wrote ‘A comfortable


and cozy house, very clean, has a large amount of dishes and kitchenware. Very comfortable beds and spacious, bright rooms. Located in a small town [I think we all know she meant village - count the churches Sara, count the churches] whose inhabitants are very friendly, a perfect location for excursions to many charming places in the area. The owner was very diligent and attentive, providing us with all kinds of details, from a baby crib to some logs for the fireplace. Ideal for a group getaway. Large table for eating, it also has board games to entertain children and adults. 100% recommended. We will repeat without a doubt.’



The Church is dedicated to St Clement.  It also seems the standard model and gets a single, wordless, five stars.




With that, we move on.










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