In visa language, “Schengen” translates to “travel math”. The true definition is Schengen is an area (most of Europe) where you are allowed to stay for a total of 90 days out of any 180 day period. There are 5 non Schengen countries you may travel that do not count on your Schengen time- Great Britain, Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. 
Prior to leaving the US, we had contacted the German consulate and were told it would not be a problem to piggyback onto our daughter’s visa in Germany, but that tuned out to be more involved. Essentially, we could get a visa to stay a year since we had a reason (see picture!) had health insurance, could open a bank account with $10,000 but the roadblock was we needed an apartment. Apparently our own. So since we did not want to rent in Saarbrucken, our travel itinerary completely changed. We had planned to continue north to Scandinavia then down Eastern Europe and then continue traveling clockwise across the Mediterranean countries then eventually back to Germany at Christmas time. With the visa extension, we could do this and also pop into Saarbrucken time-to-time (again, see picture!). Since that is not to be (yet at least), at 50 days already of Schengen time, it was time to go non Schengen.
With plans to leave Amsterdam on Wednesday, on Sunday we hit Trip Advisor, Rome2Rio, Google, Hotels.com, WikiTravel and AirBnB and by Tuesday had decided on Southern England.
We are frugal, searching for the most economical lodging which so far has included a long-term AirB&B stay, 4 nights in an Antwerp student hostel, 4 nights on a Amsterdam canal houseboat and also stayed nine nights on a futon in our daughter’s kitchen. We rarely go out to eat, preferring to subside on eggs (when we have access to a kitchen), cans of tuna, corn thins, mustard, peanut butter, fruit, and mixed nuts. We have been known to walk 5+ miles (with double backpacks) to see a city, while also saving 7 euro on buses.
So, when the opportunity arose to take a 12 hour red-eye bus from Amsterdam to London for 25 Euro, we jumped on it. What a deal! Transportation AND a place to sleep! The journey started at the south Amsterdam train terminal, in the parking lot, waiting for our (late) bus at 7:30 pm.
Once we boarded, it was difficult to sleep, because there were stops in Utrecht, Antwerp and Brussels, plus our assigned seats in the third row gave us nearly front row seats to enjoy the surround sound of the uninterrupted ’80’s soft rock hits the bus driver was playing. At 1:30 am we stopped just outside of Dunkirk for an illegal immigrant check. Luggage bins were searched, flashlights shone at our feet and under seats in an effort to find hiding migrants, which would have explained the poor leg room. Then to Calais where we de-bussed for interviews and passport checks with French and English customs. We passed and got our cherished non Schengen English stamp.
Onto the ferry for the nearly 2 hour crossing of the Channel at 4 am. At least, the timing was perfect as we were able to enjoy the pitch black cliffs of Dover as we docked. Day one non Schengen begins.
This week's photo of topless old man looking out window contemplating his life: looking to make lifelong friendships on the ferry ride.
These are great! Super interesting stories.
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