Looking for 'friends of Bill' on Camino in April 2024

[Zadilly]

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean Pied de Port the second week of April, I am wondering if any "friends of Bill" are going to be around at the same time. I intend to hit some meetings along the way. I have some spanish but am by no means fluent. I am ok with meetings where I didn't understand a word. I still get something from it, and have always found welcome. But it would be nice to touch base with a fellow drunk(s). I have read some older posts, but nothing current. Also I would love to hear from anyone who has attended any meetings in Spain. I have only gone in South America, so yeah....Just thought I would ask. Feel free to PM if you prefer, I think for me it is better to be a bit public, as it helps to keep the social pressure at bay.

 

[Antnix1]

Had to google that. I never heard that expression before.

When i was walking most of the people i met were up for a glass of beer. In the rioja region mornings or even a day or 2 were lost due to wine.

I'd imagine it could be difficult especially for those with rubber arms.

That being said, i met drinkers who abstained during their camino and I'm sure there are plenty of people that got strength from the camino and fellow pilgrims. Wishing you the best.

 

[Gregbart]

I'll be starting my camino, from SJPDP, on April 21st. So, you'll be a couple of weeks ahead of me. If you come across any meetings, shoot me a PM. Have fun and Buen Camino.
Greg

 

[Zadilly]

I'll be starting my camino, from SJPDP, on April 21st. So, you'll be a couple of weeks ahead of me. If you come across any meetings, shoot me a PM. Have fun and Buen Camino.
Greg

I will for sure! Buen Camino

 

[Zadilly]

Had to google that. I never heard that expression before.

When i was walking most of the people i met were up for a glass of beer. In the rioja region mornings or even a day or 2 were lost due to wine.

I'd imagine it could be difficult especially for those with rubber arms.

That being said, i met drinkers who abstained during their camino and I'm sure there are plenty of people that got strength from the camino and fellow pilgrims. Wishing you the best.

I think that is true.Plus many people don't want to drink much when it will make the next day harder. Also, sometimes other peoples hangovers are a good reminder. All in all, I am confident that it will all work out.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Ironically, I find the camino the most successful way for me to abstain. I just wear myself out physically and then I can fall asleep. My name is Damien... It's getting home after that it gets hard.

Edit: Even the hardiest of partiers will respect your choices. (some will envy).

 

[peregrina2000]

I am wondering if any "friends of Bill" are going to be around at the same time.

Wishing you a wonderful camino, @Zadilly. I think you will find a lot of support along the Camino, especially if you are open about your situation. My son walked a sober camino at the age of 19 (about 20 years ago now) and found no pressure to drink from anyone. He jokingly told me that he was always very sought after for dinner gatherings, because the menú always includes wine and he wouldn’t be drinking, so there’d be more for others.

See this thread for a fairly recent discussion and links to earlier threads.

 

[MARSKA]

I completely agree with peregrina2000!!!! And- of course you know this - there are a lot of "drunks" out there and also many family members of the same. A very difficult but unfortunately common issue.
I hope you can locate at least a few AA meetings along the way, if not maybe have your own.
Buen Camino!

 

[oursonpolaire]

The latest list of English-speaking meetings is here (https://www.aaspain.org/meetings/default.htm). A bit of sleuthing will get the particulars of Spanish-speaking meetings along the Camino (https://www.alcoholicos-anonimos.org/v_portal/apartados/apartado.asp)

 

[Zadilly]

The latest list of English-speaking meetings is here (https://www.aaspain.org/meetings/default.htm). A bit of sleuthing will get the particulars of Spanish-speaking meetings along the Camino (https://www.alcoholicos-anonimos.org/v_portal/apartados/apartado.asp)

Wow, thank you! that is very useful. I have copied both links into my phone. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your posting this.

 

[MARSKA]

This list should be a stickie!

 

[Tokyoaeo]

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean Pied de Port the second week of April, I am wondering if any "friends of Bill" are going to be around at the same time. I intend to hit some meetings along the way. I have some spanish but am by no means fluent. I am ok with meetings where I didn't understand a word. I still get something from it, and have always found welcome. But it would be nice to touch base with a fellow drunk(s). I have read some older posts, but nothing current. Also I would love to hear from anyone who has attended any meetings in Spain. I have only gone in South America, so yeah....Just thought I would ask. Feel free to PM if you prefer, I think for me it is better to be a bit public, as it helps to keep the social pressure at bay.

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean Pied de Port the second week of April, I am wondering if any "friends of Bill" are going to be around at the same time. I intend to hit some meetings along the way. I have some spanish but am by no means fluent. I am ok with meetings where I didn't understand a word. I still get something from it, and have always found welcome. But it would be nice to touch base with a fellow drunk(s). I have read some older posts, but nothing current. Also I would love to hear from anyone who has attended any meetings in Spain. I have only gone in South America, so yeah....Just thought I would ask. Feel free to PM if you prefer, I think for me it is better to be a bit public, as it helps to keep the social pressure at bay.

I am a friend of Bill too and am coming up on my 7th birthday next week….assuming I don’t drink. I arrive in Pamplona on April 16 and plan to leave from SJPP on the 17th.
I’m public as well. I have the triangle on my backpack. I plan to go to meetings along the way and also plan to attend/listen to my regular book study by zoom. Please PM.

 

[Zadilly]

I am a friend of Bill too and am coming up on my 7th birthday next week….assuming I don’t drink. I arrive in Pamplona on April 16 and plan to leave from SJPP on the 17th.
I’m public as well. I have the triangle on my backpack. I plan to go to meetings along the way and also plan to attend/listen to my regular book study by zoom. Please PM.

Hi, I cannot figure out how to PM. I know it is most likely obvious, but...ugg, I will try again later.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi, I cannot figure out how to PM. I know it is most likely obvious, but...ugg, I will try again later.

If you hover your computer mouse over an individuals avatar, or tap it on your 'phone, you will see a pop-up that includes "start a conversation". Use that.

Or click on the little envelope, to the right on the blue bar at the top of your screen..

Either will get you there

Buen Camino

 

[shellebelle]

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean Pied de Port the second week of April, I am wondering if any "friends of Bill" are going to be around at the same time. I intend to hit some meetings along the way. I have some spanish but am by no means fluent. I am ok with meetings where I didn't understand a word. I still get something from it, and have always found welcome. But it would be nice to touch base with a fellow drunk(s). I have read some older posts, but nothing current. Also I would love to hear from anyone who has attended any meetings in Spain. I have only gone in South America, so yeah....Just thought I would ask. Feel free to PM if you prefer, I think for me it is better to be a bit public, as it helps to keep the social pressure at bay.

Hello, Zadilly,
While I'm not active in AA I do participate in a different program that has helped me get and stay sober. My Camino starts in Pamplona at the end of April and perhaps we will meet on the road - that would be wonderful. Buen Camino

 

[Zadilly]

Hello, Zadilly,
While I'm not active in AA I do participate in a different program that has helped me get and stay sober. My Camino starts in Pamplona at the end of April and perhaps we will meet on the road - that would be wonderful. Buen Camino

I hope so too!

 

[NadiaBW]

We leave SJPP on April 20, 2024 and each have 30+ years of sobriety and are still active in AA. Come say hi if you see us (I'm 6'1 and heavily tattooed). We'd be into having an impromptu meeting along the way!!

 

[Tokyoaeo]

Hey zadilly, I start from SJPDD on April 17. I hope yo see you, I will be wearing a Rule 62 ball cap

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi, I cannot figure out how to PM. I know it is most likely obvious, but...ugg, I will try again later.

The easiest way is to just click on the avatar of the person you wish to pm, and then click on 'start conversation'.