One thing I have been noticing lately about myself is that my concentration and energy levels are not like before. I have been on several medications for almost 8-9 months and after my mental breakdown and depression, I completely feel like a new person (not in a positive way of course). I have been doing much better than before but still, I cannot complete my day properly due to weakness, dizziness, and lack of energy. High doses of medications caused a lot of damage to my health and still do. Let me give you an example: I filmed some videos using my GoPro when I was on vacation. I thought it would help me to be creative once again besides I miss my vlogging days. Many people on Hive know me as a vlogger because I was familiar among many people because of my vlogs, and travel videos where I focused on showcasing Kharkiv city, Ukraine. After fleeing from war and coming to the Netherlands, I lost my motivation for filming and later completely stayed away from making videos. So, when I went on vacation, I thought this might be a good way to start filming and editing. So, lately, when I started editing those nice videos, I was lost. I couldn't even complete editing 1/4 of the video. I felt tired, and dizzy and had to stop editing because it was creating too much pressure on my mind, brain, and body. Nowadays people love short videos and I thought I could easily do that. Unfortunately, I couldn't and this failure kinda broke my heart.
Another fact is writing, I struggle whenever I write. I wish I could explain to you how much I push myself to write at least one post in a week. Well, nobody told me to force myself to write but I push myself a bit so that I can get out of my thoughts and depression easily. I no longer work on my hobbies, seeing myself like this kinda breaks my heart. Every day I push myself to do things and help myself to understand self-worth. In the end, I become tired and then get depressed.
Today is another day of my struggle and despite my weakness and struggle with mental health, I decided to share a moment with you from my life.
Cafe Italia
It was the beautiful holiday season, December, a usual rainy-cold Amsterdam walking day. I hardly can remember why I was in Amsterdam, probably the reason could be to see Christmas lights. But I clearly remember it was a rainy day because I found this cafe while coming back to the station. Back then I had no mental issue or probably I had but I couldn't figure that out. So, mentally I was happy even though I didn't like walking in the rain.
In Amsterdam, there are tons of restaurants, pubs, and cafes, more than I can imagine. Amsterdam's old city center is almost packed with restaurants and cafes, no matter which lane or street you go, you will find a cafe or pub. Whenever I went to Amsterdam, I never came home with an empty stomach. Anyway, it was late that day and I was hungry. Because of the rain, my walking plan was kinda ruined so I had to head back home. But like I said, I never left Amsterdam without having lunch or dinner so on my way to the train station, I started looking for a cafe where I could have my dinner. I was also looking for the cheaper option and was not craving Asian food. So, my second choice was Italian food.
The location of Cafe Italia is not very far from Central Station. It was very close to Damrak Square and De Bejinkorf shopping mall. I didn't check the rating of the cafe, I was trying to find a cozy less crowded cafe for dinner because I was completely soaked in the rain. At first glance seeing the outside of the cafe, I decided to go Inside.
The entire cafe was decorated following the Christmas Theme due to the holiday season. From the entrance, not only did the cafe look beautiful but also I felt that the inside would be cozy and comfortable; that's what I needed at that moment.
Inside the restaurant seemed typical Italian Restaurant (of course now I know after my trip to Italy). A part of the wall was decorated with hundreds of wine bottles, ceiling was decorated like a rooftop garden with artificial plants. Square tables and tables cloth typical square pattern febric kinda made the cafe cozy. Well, in winter, the cafe looked cozy but I guess in summer, the cafe might seem too much. Besides it was the holiday season so the cafe might be over-decorated.
I think you can taste wine there, I didn't taste their wine though but seeing their collection, I think people taste their wine option. After entering the cafe, a waitress welcomed us and showed us our table. Later she came back with the menu.
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The Bar area was bright and vibrant compared to the dining area. But I personally liked those hanging lights, they kinda reminded me of the planet Venus.
There were a lot of small detailed decorations that I completely overlooked while being in the cafe. I have taken these photos after the customers left. Otherwise, there were people having their dinner when I went there. It was not empty like you are seeing in the photos. :D hahaha... Empty restaurants in Amsterdam are almost impossible. :D
After getting comfortable in the cafe, the waitress came back to take our orders.
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P.S: Food Photos Collected
Due to the lighting quality of the cafe, the food photos don't look appealing.
The cafe had Italian, Mediterranean, and European food options. They also offer a Vegetarian option as well. Dinner in winter means heavy dinner according to me. So we ordered garlic bread, pizza, and beef steak. The price was cheaper compared to other restaurants in Amsterdam.
Food was served quickly and I hadn't waited for the food long. The beef steak was tender, juicy medium rare. The sauce was tasty and delicious. Overall it was a good steak. I didn't taste the pizza but heard it was good also. The garlic bread was so good and delicious. Overall it was a good meal as a dinner.
As I wrote, these food photos cannot give you an idea of the deliciousness of these foods.
We waited some time there for the rain to stop. It was a cozy cafe experience in the harsh weather in Amsterdam.
Love
Priyan...
I am
.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...