Narrowboat Life....Maximised!

It's a bit different. I have been maximising life away from the Narrowboat. It's about opportunity and strategy as well as sacrifice. Living today to maximise for tomorrow.
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[@Kris155mm]

Hope all is going as planned looking forward to the next reorg 😊

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Kris. There is a vid out tomorrow.

[@claraburton3173]

CHris! Amazing video. So beautiful the area, what a great life you have. Please keep traveling it looks good on you. CP

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank You Clara. I'll be doing a bit more but I need to understand the culture as there are a few things out here I don't want to get caught out with. The west should, in my opinion, should make sure the visitors abide by their culture too. It's called respect of where you are living.

[@davidwoolf6948]

Good to see you again

[@johnharrison9317]

Great to see you stepping out in pursuit of new culture, new experiences and utilisation of your abundant skills.

[@kevinfarrell5778]

Great to see you, out and about..looks like a great place, hotel looks superb,...all the best, looking forward to the next vlog..👍

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Kev. The hotel does look nice but hotel living is like not being able to unpack. Not a huge fan of it but the beds and pillows are lovely.

[@AngelaJames-x7h]

Yayy your back, on here at least.! You've been missed. Good news on my back, looks like it may not need doing, as the physio is working wonders, and if needs be, the surrounding bones to the ones pinching my spinal cord look good to support it.. not that I expect you to remember our previous convo!! lol The solar battery is doing fab in the UK springtime.. Was going to suggest you let the boat out if going for a while, (save on marina fees), it seems it was a short trip, first of many I hope for you. Fab Vlog, looks amazing there. Take care of you. x

[@thebigchip]

Nice to catch up with you Chris. Missed your laid back style. Enjoy life, missing you already.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I'll be doing a few more vids but I need to understand the culture better out here as I don't want to get caught out doing things I shouldn't. The tolerance levels I'm not sure about. Thanks Dave.

[@kingneptune8937]

Great to see you and really enjoying the new insight into another way of life.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you. A new vid out tomorrow

[@thomasmarencik8050]

Darn, it’s so good to see you, Chris. I’m more than pleased that it seems like you’ve had a good experience and felt safe in what to me is a different world from mine. Of course, you are extremely more adventurous than I, who have never lived more than 20 miles from where I was born. That’s part of the reason I enjoy your videos; you take me along to see sites that won’t come my way in this lifetime. I’m already looking forward to your next video. I hope your return home is an enjoyable adventure. Thank you so much for sharing. As always, my best wishes to you, Tom.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks for the comment Tom. I'll be doing a few more vlogs in the future but need to understand what I acceptable for filming as I don't want to be caught out breaking the rules. What are the rules? Don't know. I believe the Arabs are very private people as the women are required to 'cover up' which does mean to me that to inadvertently point the camera in the wrong direction may cause offence. Not sure I want to face the consequences. Perhaps we should be more robust in the West.

[@danhollifield]

Good to see you again, Chris! --Dan

[@thomasmarencik8050]

Hi, Chris! Yesterday was Father’s Day. If they celebrate that occasion in the UK, I hope you got to spend some time with the family. I hope that you’re doing well at whatever is happening in life. Best wishes, Tom.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Hi Tom. I had a chat with the children which is an out as good as it gets in this life. I haven't forgot about your pictures bu=y the way.

[@keithweybury5212]

Hi Chris and fantastic to hear from you again. Sounds like you have been very busy with the new job. Keep safe.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Keith. I've been back in the UK for two weeks and am now in Salalah. A completely different area of Oman with high humidity levels. I do like it here.....for visits and work.

[@janelou458]

Nice to hear from you again. Glad to hear things are going well.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Jane. New vid out tomorrow.

[@mungmungie]

Looks like you had a challenging break. Travel is one of those rich experiences which gives opportunity to think about things in new ways, from a different point of view. Looking forward to seeing how your experience abroad percolates into your upcoming videos.

[@peterrutter7332]

Fantastic love it text is in the post 👍

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Great catching up with you in the week Peter. I'll be in touch. Happy travels.

[@marcrobinson2560]

hi so good to see you good vlog enjoyed it lots

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Marc. There'll be more in the future with all sorts of differences as I'm doing different stuff to create a better life for myself in the future. Oman will feature a bit more though.

[@jongibbs1036]

Hi Chris / sorry been a while to catch up - I thought they were filling the street up for you to bring your boat 😂 Good luck on your new venture, seems like your enjoying life (which is what it’s all about mate) 😊 Wow sooo much space, huge roads rather than narrow canals, no wonder you keep getting lost. That Lift in the hotel was bigger than your bathroom !!!! Don’t talk to them about your Loo 😂 Enjoy yourself / heat, talking, walking all great for you mental heath ❤

[@mishkawp8200]

The sunshine and heat clearly suit you, and I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Oman so much. Good that you’ve gone almost straight back out there - they must be very happy to have you there! Stay safe and explore as much as you can. Look after yourself Chris 😊☀️

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you Mishka. A vid is out tomorrow and I'm on my third visit as I arrived today. Salalah. A completely different area of Oman with 90% humidity. I prefer the heat of Muscat.

[@mishkawp8200]

⁠Wow, that’s horribly humid. Hopefully you have air con in your hotel! Looking forward to another video 😊

[@bathbuilder123]

Great video very professional standard

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you for the compliment.

[@cbrown9555]

You’re a wild man

[@colincox1whichnet]

Hey Chris, Great video, what a great pair of 👞shoes, very good taste. I know exactly what you mean re the pillows, i know exactly where you can get them from .... albeit a very long time ago, when I was is Redwood Shores in California staying I a French owned hotel, I mentioned my fondess of the pillows, I also mentioned that lots of things are stolen from hotel rooms, and I did not want to become a thief, and asked if I could purchase a couple of pillows, and a deal was done. Just ask , the worst answer is no, nothing lost. 🙂. I know our paths will cross again and I very much look forward to it. Your vid is just so good. I am going to miss ya, you are a very nice person. Take care Colin.

[@JL1308]

So nice to see you again, Chris. At least you are getting to talk to lots of people. Re where to get those nice pillows: ask the hotel when you go back if you can buy a couple and add them to your hotel bill. I did that once when I stayed in a U.K. hotel and loved the dressing gown in my hotel room. I asked if I could buy one and add it to my hotel bill - no problem! Stay safe and well.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Some good advice. I'll be staying in a few hotels in the UK next month as I'm doing a bit of auditing for a month. At least I'm back on the boat at weekends. I'm liking the diversity of life and the money is useful as it's allowed me to buy a better laptop to enable me to edit when I'm away. A new vid is out tomorrow.

[@Georgieband]

nice one fella .

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Mute. Hope you are well.

[@Motormad196]

Familiar sight outside your digs: a canal instead of a street😂 . Great video, Chris.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

It's an interesting life and understanding somewhere different...helps me understand the culture better. Still like the ditch with water life though

[@annclark5082]

Sounds like you have found a job that really suits you there Chris. Take care and enjoy the sunshine.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I'm working on it Ann. I'm still trying to shape what I do and how I can add benefit. By putting my mind to anything they ask of me is a start because then I can state what I would prefer to do. more of. Happiness is important too.

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Glad you are enjoying Oman, all the best and keep maximising life xx

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you Jacqueline.

[@craigfoster2849]

Great to see you having a good time Chris and enjoying the opportunity. Safe travels mate and take care

[@valyd45]

Hey my friend! What a pleasant surprise to see your new video. I wish you all the best with your new endeavour there. I’m kinda hoping it’s not permanent. By reading other comments, it seems we’re a bit bewildered on this new adventure. Stay high and dry there mate😎

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Val. I'm struggling with making vids as I don't know the rules of the land. I don't want to get it wrong by offending people. But also I've enjoyed the break from filming narrowboat stuff. I'll be back however. A vid is out tomorrow for you to watch.

[@Dyfhi]

Nice 1 Chris…

[@jayne1905]

Good to see you Chris !! Glad all is well 😊

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

That you Jayne

[@ralphtaylor6292]

Great to see you back Chris .

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you Ralph

[@pamcullen537]

Very professional video 👍🏼. Thoroughly enjoyed and interesting to see other parts of the world 🌎. Await the next episode 🦆💕

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Pam. New one out tomorrow and I'm starting to film a bit more as I understand the culture.

[@nathanberry4339]

One tip , when you get to the Kennet and Avon the CRTs canal and river license doesn't cover you between hanham and Bristol you need to contact the Bristol harbour authority for that stretch , I got this information direct from the CRT as I'm looking at doing that journey at some point 😊😊😊

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Nathan. That journey will be put on hold for a bit as I'm still in the marina at Cropredy. I'm going to be there for a year but will still push out a vid every so often if you're able to stick it out?

[@nathanberry4339]

@@chrismears-inslowtime yeah that's no problem I'm going to be on the K&A for at least a year , IV got a little part time job I can pick and choose my own hours , IV got my house that will be sold in a couple of months then IV got to install a solar system have the stern cabin converted into a large galley remove the galley in the middle of the boat and replace it with a log burner im also tempted to get her blacked and I'm having some professional sign writing dobe by which time it will be late winter and I dont fancy having to go onto another canal at that time , my boat is a former hire boat which was stripped to the steel 5 years ago and had a high end refurb so I'm just having the finishing touches done 🙂🙂🙂

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

A lovely surprise Chris. Good to see you. You’re looking well and enjoying this new chapter. How very interesting too. Best wishes and stay safe.

[@LynnGuthrie-il1yj]

Hey chris good to see you 😊

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Lynn. I'll be doing more vids as the job has enabled me to buy a better laptop allowing me to edit. The last one was just too old at 12 years. Still works as a laptop but not to editing performance. A new one is out tomorrow.

[@henrywilliam8506]

Nice to see you back. Looking at the first few shots of this video, I thought you were in Venice.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Could have been and just to think that happened a few times in the first month. the later time, no drainage was necessary as the sun did its work. 50 degrees yesterday. Cooler in Salalah where I am at the moment but the humidity is in the 80-90s. Thanks for the support Henry

[@malcolmjames1866]

Great vlog, Chris. Thanks. You're right, it doesn't bear thinking about. Having been involved in investigations into road deaths over many years, I know what you mean. Sometimes you can't help thinking about it. BTW, loving the brogues. Good luck, Ole Son.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Malcolm

[@johngardiner5678]

Nice one Chris

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks John.

[@wayneharris7534]

Hi Chris unfortunately things like this happen where families are devastated by events beyond Thier control... I'm glad to see that you are for filling your your ambitions... Years ago I worked in Dubai installing water treatment plants ..and never came across someone on site who could not speak English... Even the people under me had a understanding of the English language .many of whom were from countries I had never heard of. To be honest Chris the money I was paid . there covered my expenses for years. On my narrow boat. However I decided to leave the job when a Arab princess was beheaded in the town square...?? Anyway Chris keep safe and well mate.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Different time Wayne. I think much of the Middle East has softened. Depending on the environment of course. I have noticed changes in culture in the different areas and am starting to pick up the nuances in beards too. They are good at languages....far better than me. Thank for the comment.

[@veronicastapelberg6373]

Really enjoyed the video and nice to see what you have been up to. Sun and sea amazing.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Veronica and Paul. I hope you're both well. I haven't seen much on insta recently.

[@veronicastapelberg6373]

Paul has been so busy working on other boats in the marina, overplaying one big job recently. We are almost running out of time to get ours ready to go into the water. I have been banned from booking him anymore work and it's now full throttle ahead to get ours done. Hopefully posts some "stuff" soon.

[@martinkavanagh196]

Flash As Chris. I visited parts of Oman some 15 years ago and LOVED it there .. as opposed to Abu Dhabi where we were based longer. We went up North and it was old stuff, mountainous on the way, and 'scenic'. - The Omanis were very friendly to our Brit-Kiwi family group. Well done & Best Wishes Mate .

[@AstroBoater]

Loving the vid. Can’t beat a decent pair of brogues 😆

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you. A new vid out tomorrow

[@jackiejones1684]

Good to see you back. Very different life style, must be a bit weird switching between them. Enjoy

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Yes Jackie it is. The weekend is different for a start which has caught me lout a few times. Never sure what day of the week it is. Friday - Saturday is the Arab weekend. The travel also is harder than expected. But I get a bit of sun and a bit of cash. Can't be all that bad.

[@martinrubenstein7943]

Very interesting to see something of Oman. I bet the air smelt nice and fresh after the rain. Two things I noticed: everywhere looked clean - no KFC empty boxes on the pavement - and there seems to be good discipline on the roads, from what little we saw. I didn’t hear a single car horn. I’m expect things may be different elsewhere in the country, but it looks very civilised so far. I look forwards to seeing a lot more. Never a dull moment on your videos.

[@Tass...]

We buy our pillows and duvets from Homescapes. They are a company that provides them to hotels. Like you Chris, we were staying in a nice hotel and loved their pillows and took a look at the labels on the pillows and ordered some as soon as we got home. They are a British company and very well priced. Not as expensive as we expected. So yeah, Homescapes. 👍

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks for that info. I'll be looking in the very near future.

[@anthonywillis5842]

I am seriously going to miss you on the canal in the UK. But there could be no better man to carry out your assignments outside the UK. See you soon my brother in arms.

[@KeithClark-k6d]

Interesting information. Happy to see some of your travels. What is next on your agenda?

[@KatelynsAdventures707]

Hi Chris, what a cool video. Hope you’ve taken up a frequent flyer programme, if you’re in and out of the Middle East. Great experience. I saw about the floods in Dubai that was all they had on our news, not Oman. Interesting about you saying it’s safe there. Lots of rules for females though. Write to corporate crown plaza and find out where their linen comes from. If you’re a constant visitor to Crowne they might get you one. Have fun. Look forward to seeing more of a different culture. K 🙏😊

[@thomascoyne157]

Looking good had a reminder of towpaths full of water 💦. Just had a couple of Plastering’s lads from that part of the world,👍 nice vlog 👍👍👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@christinew9310]

I bought Silentnight hotel pillows from Amazon.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Christine. I'll be checking them out although not a fan of buying without having a try which is a problem with Amazon!

[@LloydHywelBevan]

Nice one dude !!! Reminds me of your time spent in Berkhamsted for some reason 😆 Only kidding - keep rolling with your flow fella !!

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I want to go back to Berko at some point. Mainly to go to the cinema. I liked the life there. Good to catch up last week. I'm back in a few weeks so hopefully your'll be in a better comms location.

[@richcolgate8929]

Eh up !!! Glad your ok bud,,, hope u got plenty of Sun cream for your nut,,, lol Weather back in the UK is absolutely crap, enjoy the sun, take care, Rich 👍

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Rich. I've missed the bad weather in the UK which has been nice. I do like the heat. No body armour too which is a gift.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

A lot of change for an old fart like me to take in, change is tricky when one is older, all the best Chris I do like your life on the canal come back to it some day. Chris in Devon.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I haven't finished with the canals but it doesn't pay well. I need to make a few changes in my life and that requires investment. More to come. Thanks Chris

[@CariadJ]

Missed you Chris.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thank you. I'm not going away and will keep vlogging from time to time.

[@gavlarrrrr]

Shokran bezaf

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Af-waan.

[@bromleyxphil]

Hungarian down pillows mate……can’t beat them and they last for years, not like the supermarket rubbish!

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I'll have a look for those and I've made a note of the type. Thanks Phil.

[@dutchglobetrotter6464]

No narrowboats over there I guess.....:)

[@Twinpot1962]

Opportunity knocks…Bon Chance Mon Ami.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Jack. Yes it's come knocking and I'm taking advantage while I can. Hope you are well mate.

[@markrant1460]

Hi Chris, Glad to see that you are still doing well and looking after yourself. I have just returned from the UK and one thing I wanted to rediscover, as it was a smell from my childhood, was the "smell of the sea". If you know what I mean by that, could you tell me if you smelled it as you walk by the sea where you are? Take good care and look forward to your next piece. Mark Alberta, Canada

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

There is a smell of rotting fish in the area I go for a walk in Oman. I stay about half a mile from the beech where the local people fish. Back home, it doesn't smell of much. But then I sup[pose that could be classed as clean so I won't complain. Thanks Mark.

[@markrant1460]

Hi Chris, The smell I know is certainly NOT rotting fish lol. Thanks for the reply@@chrismears-inslowtime

[@grahamtansley]

Be careful walking on water in that area of the globe, there was a guy who did that once but it didn't end well for him. He was Airforce I think, got disciplined by a Pontius Pilot whatever that aircraft is - perhaps you know. 😂

[@colincox1whichnet]

Brilliant comment

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Pontious is the oldest Pilot I've heard of. I don't class myself in that bracket but I does show I need to be a good boy and not to rock the boat! Thank Graham.

[@garybevan1022]

Welcome back Chris, you’ve been missed. Can you tell what you’re doing in Oman? Coaching sounds a bit vague, does it have a military accent to it? or aren’t you allowed to say……..I’m just being nosey👍

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

No military stuff although lots of military common sense required. There's a new vid out today and that explains a bit more. Thanks Gary.

[@yorkienick_og]

Great video this week however I can't help wondering if this is going to turn out to be the start of your swan song in narrowboating, as your services are in greater demand and you're not in the country as often 🤔🤔🤔😔

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I'm going to continue to vlog on the boat although they will be shorter journeys and much the same terrain in the near future. Life offers opportunities and the recent one in Oman will give me the chance to view a different culture. I do travel back to the UK every few weeks but I've needed to sort out a few issues to adjust to my new life. I'll be back but with more diverse stuff.

[@RogerSliney]

Not an Ikea in the area for a pillow?

[@helicopter12345678]

Yep they always have a good selection 👍

[@beehill1]

Yes! I have a very very comfortable memory foam pillow from IKEA . Not the hard brick type and not cheap at 29€ but well worth it!

[@obiblooze5902]

Really interesting, you look happy there. It seems like a very quiet place, 11am and no-one on the beach. Different culture?

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

It's too hot for them. They go out in the evening as it's dark by 1900. I think it's only us Westerners that sunbath. Thanks for the comment.

[@obiblooze5902]

@@chrismears-inslowtime Very sensible, too hot for me in the middle of the day too 🙂

[@sandracapper6629]

Oh Chris what's going on ? What about the boat 😮

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Hi Sandra. I wanted to add value to my life. I can live comfortably on my own with the pension but I can sense a change coming and need to do a little work to make my life more comfortable for the future. I'm not selling the boat...

[@zipbrat5750]

Isn't this how Thomas Edward Lawrence got started? Verook could be your Sherif Ali? Just need a horse and keffiyeh. Good luck.

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

And not to forget the world is in a difficult space currently. All we need is a conflict! I hope that doesn't happen but.....Oh and I can't ride horses!

[@sarahobes2758]

When I heard that the flooding there was a surprise as they’d not been cloud seeding!? Seriously? We are to take global warming onboard as a huge worry, whilst around the world govt’s mess with our skies? Hope the time away has done you good! x

[@obiblooze5902]

😀 yes I was going to mention the cloud seeding too

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Interesting points.....don't know is the answer but I will attempt to find out during the week as I am talking to business execs this week. They might have more of an idea.

[@angiedodd3016]

Have you got rid of your boat and moved to another country . I must have missed something. You would not catch me there on any circumstance i hate the way they treat various people if you understand me. I like a harder lfe its better for the soul . X

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

I'm not planning to sell the boat Angie. It's still my home but I wanted to diversify a bit and needed a bit of extra funds in order to do that. Life is a challenge and if I wanted to do something new....money doesn't grow on trees. AS for the different cultures, I understand your point of view...totally. One day I'll ask how they feel about the dress state but I need to really know someone before I can ask without potentially causing offence.