I would most definitely classify narrowboat life as off the grid. You are practically homesteading on the water! I just think it is such a cool concept, and never heard of it before meeting you.
Have you thought about incorporating some self-sufficiency skills into your narrowboat lifestyle? Such as fishing, foraging for herbs and food, wildcrafting? I imagine you have access to some of the best wildlife in Europe! You could even go mushroom hunting, collect fruits and nuts, etc.
As far as 15 minute cities go, Europe is much better designed for access. Here, we have these sprawling suburban areas, which I refer to as "suburban hell" because its more or less an unwalkable construct that makes you 100% dependent on a vehicle. I cannot stand it, to be honest. But where does the fault lay? With corrupt city planning, and multibillion dollar building corporations.
My concern is the enforcement of strict districts and extreme traffic control measures that essentially dictate how a person can move about. Its a method of control thru issuing fines. And what if someone doesn't pay the fine? Do they eventually get arrested?
Lots of questions without many answers. I will just stick to my land and grow my garden, which all of my seedlings are beginning to sprout!
Yes, the canals, narrowboats and locks are amazing engineering and history, from over 200 years, that's still in operation today. I felt honoured to live off-grid that way.
I did some foraging of blackberries and made some delicious blackberry muffins while living on the boat. Most boaters tend to have herb gardens for convenience, as there are water points dotted along the canals.
That's a perfect description of such places 😏
Mmmmmm, I love blackberries! Maybe, the next time you begin your narrowboat lifestyle again, you can find even more wild edibles. It sounds like so much fun and probably lots of peace too.