Ambroa, where we live, is one of seven parishes in the municipality of Irixoa ("eerie-show-ah"). Irixoa is also the name of the parish and the village where our "city hall" is located. The seven parishes cover about 25 square miles. The municipality's total population (all 7 parishes) is only about 1600, of whom nearly 400 live here in Ambroa Parish.

You're not expected to remember all that. It's just to remind you that we're living in a very rural area. The nearest town of any size is Betanzos, about 11 km. away from our house. It's population is somewhere around 10,000 but there are a lot of stores, banks, etc., there serving the surrounding area.

We used to do almost all our shopping in Betanzos or Miño, 14 km. from us. But we've found that we can do a lot of it in Irixoa, 7 km. from home, which for its small size can provide a surprising number of our necessities.
 

"Big deal," you say?
Well, it is to us. How many places do you know of with such a small population that have two banks, a supermarket, a gas station and a pharmacy? Not many, I'll bet.

We still have to go into Betanzos or Miño for some things but we prefer to do business in Irixoa whenever possible. It's a bit closer to home, there's never any traffic or parking problems, and we're acquainted with most people who run businesses there. Some of them (including the Mayor) live here in Ambroa Parish.