Visiting the Netherlands in a Heatwave: What to Expect in Summer (Or: How to Sweat Politely in Front of Your Husband’s Family and Friends)

The other night at dinner, I asked our friends if the restaurant had air conditioning inside. They said, “Yes, I think so,” and then… nothing. No follow-up. No, “Would you like to sit there instead?” Just a polite pause, as if the question had been answered and we could all move on. And that was that. We sat outside in the heatwave, while the inside air-conditioned part remained completely empty.