What have I learnt from this?   I went to each of these restaurants with someone local who, in theory, knows what they are doing.  Those Dutch stereotypes about timeliness and cuisine are absolutely right and everything shuts at 9.30 or 10. I was also right to go out with 5 layers of clothes.  I live in Spain where having wine or perhaps beer with lunch or dinner (at 10p.m.) is absolutely normal – everyone thought I was an alcoholic.  July/August may be the best time to visit Netherlands but I was pleased to be back in Madrid at 38 degrees. Nevertheless the Netherlands experience, spending time with old friends, recent friends and making new ones made the experience a great one!