A Cuban resident in South Carolina recently visited Miami and was delighted with the city, especially after discovering Cuban products at the supermarket she went to. “Miami is Miami, and everything else is just green spaces,” Mabele (@mabeleameliapadil) said in the video after buying items she can't find in South Carolina. Her remark sparked comments from other Cubans who asked her why she doesn't live there if she likes it so much.
In another video, Mabele defended her choice of residence. “My love, it’s no secret that if you’re not living in Miami, it’s because you don’t have the money. With three kids and this somewhat modest life I lead to save money, you just can’t live in Miami. But it’s not because I don’t want to; I mean, who doesn’t love the Sunshine City? Being around your fellow Cubans, with your people, speaking the same language, having all those delicious Cuban products readily available.”
The Cuban woman was clear and realistic in her message: "If your question is why I'm living in Carolina, the answer is: trying to make some money, get ahead, and save. You can't help but love Miami; we all do. But you have to be aware of where you can be and where you can't, because we're here to get ahead, not to keep struggling. But Miami is Miami, and the rest—green areas—I won’t discuss with anyone."
However, her love for Miami sparked a heated debate in the comments. Not everyone shared her viewpoint, and many defended their decision to move to other states in search of a more affordable life.
Some reactions to his statements:
"No, my love, I'm sorry that I don't think the same way you do. But not everyone wants to live in Miami. I spent two and a half years there, and I moved to Texas five months ago, and it has been the best decision I've made in my life."
"I lived in Illinois and, due to life circumstances, I had to move to Florida, and I still haven't gotten over moving."
"It's not true; most people in Miami struggle and aren't making progress."
"That's right. I live in Miami, and life here is tough and very expensive. We are planning to move to another state soon where we can save money."
"I don’t like it. Even if they tell me they’ll pay my rent... Just visiting for a weekend is not enough. If I want to feel like I'm in Cuba, I’d rather not, haha."
"I don't want to live in Miami and spend hours in traffic. Every time we hit that overwhelming traffic, my husband says to me, 'Welcome to Miami City.'"
"I lived in Miami, I love it there, but I moved to improve my situation. I'm still not adjusted, I can't wait to leave again!"
"I live in Miami, but I'm thinking about leaving. Everything is very nice, but it's expensive."
Opinions are divided, but one thing is clear: Miami remains a symbol of Cuban identity and the American Dream, although not everyone can—or wants to—afford the cost of living in the Sunshine City.
Mabele reaffirmed in the comments that, although he would like to, his financial situation does not allow him to live there. "I'm not poor, but at least for me, with three children, I can't afford to live in Miami right now," he replied in a comment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Life in Miami and the Perspective of Cubans Living in the United States
Why do some Cubans prefer to live outside of Miami?
Many Cubans choose to live outside of Miami due to the high cost of living, particularly regarding rents and property prices. Additionally, some seek more tranquility and less traffic congestion, which leads them to opt for other states where they can find more affordable prices and a different quality of life.
What makes Miami an attractive place for Cubans?
Miami is appealing to many Cubans due to its large Cuban community, access to products and cultural experiences reminiscent of Cuba, and its warm climate. The city provides a cultural familiarity that is not easily found elsewhere in the United States.
What Cuban products can be found in supermarkets in Miami?
In Miami's supermarkets, it is common to find a variety of Cuban products such as nougats, torticas, packaged beans, juices in multiple flavors, guava jam, lard, coquito, and blood sausage. These items are highly valued by Cubans who seek a taste of their homeland while in exile.
Why is traffic in Miami a topic of debate among Cubans?
Traffic in Miami is a frequent subject of complaint due to its density and the amount of time people spend commuting, which affects their quality of life. For many, the traffic is comparable to the chaos of cities in Cuba, eliciting both humor and frustration.
What is the reason behind the saying "Miami is Miami, and the rest is green spaces" among Cubans?
The saying "Miami is Miami, and everything else is green areas" reflects the sentiment that Miami is a unique and special place for Cubans. This feeling is rooted in the strong Cuban cultural presence and the availability of products and experiences that remind them of their homeland, leading many to view it as a corner of Cuba within the United States.
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