How it began

A few years ago I found myself in Europe for three months and instead of just staying in the Netherlands, as I would usually do, I actually visited several countries - which was awesome! Shortly after ideas started to form in my head. I could drive through Canada, make a sidestep to the States, see the sights and visit with old and new friends. In the last few years I’ve developed a mild obsession with the extremely talented singer Adam Lambert, and I’ve met many other fans online and at concerts whom I could now meet in real life!

Great plan!!

Only…

It wasn’t possible.

After developing this plan a bit, I started doing some research into the feasibility thereof. Turned out it wasn’t quite as feasible as I had hoped. In fact, it wasn’t feasible at all! The longest I could spend in the States was 3 months, unless I got a visa (expensive!), which would give me 6 months. Hmph…

>>>Fast forward >>>

It proved impossible to figure out how much time I could be in the States in a year. One period of three consecutive months? Two? And how much time between leaving the US and re-entering? Even talking to a customs official didn’t shed much light, but I did hear the (in a beautiful southern American drawl, 3-times repeated!!) phrase that I won’t lightly forget: ' I am not gonna help you defraud the government of the United States. '

Ouch… he saw right through me, one phone call and my lifelong goal of defrauding the government of the United States was thwarted. Memo to self: work on deceit-skills.

In the end I decided to go with my tried and tested method: don't worry about bridges until it's time to cross them.