The internet is fast, businesses thrive, and food is plentiful: A Cuban shares what impressed her the most upon arriving in the Dominican Republic

When Eliza, a young Cuban, arrived in the Dominican Republic, she had no idea that her perspective on daily life would take such a radical turn. Through her TikTok account, @elizacubavlogs, she decided to share the things that have surprised her the most since arriving in the country, and her observations have not only generated hundreds of comments but have also prompted important reflections on the cultural differences between the two countries.

In a video titled “Things that have caught my attention as a Cuban in the Dominican Republic,” Eliza highlighted, first and foremost, the solidarity of Dominicans, something she believes is deeply embedded in their culture. “The first thing they ask you is not how you are, but if you’ve already eaten,” she said, astonished by the warmth and hospitality she has received since her arrival.

She also mentioned public transportation, praising the metro and cable car in Santo Domingo as modern and functional systems that do not exist in Cuba. Additionally, she was fascinated by the advertising screens on the streets, which starkly contrast with the political propaganda posters she was accustomed to in her country. Other aspects that impressed her were the ease of starting businesses in the Dominican Republic and the abundance of products, from food to construction materials, which is extremely limited in Cuba.

The conversation didn't end there. In the second part of the video, Eliza continued listing surprises. She mentioned the modern and diverse vehicle fleet, comparing it to the old cars that dominate in Cuba; the omnipresence of lotteries, a business that has been banned in her country since 1959; and the 3D and 4D cinemas, something she experienced for the first time in the Dominican Republic. She also talked about the colmados, which were a revelation to her, and concluded by highlighting the quality of the internet, emphasizing the huge difference in connectivity between the two countries: "Here, videos upload at the speed of a rocket," she joked.

Users quickly reacted. Many Dominicans congratulated her for highlighting the best of their country: “Maybe we are not the best country in the world, but we are very human and empathetic”; “In the Dominican Republic, everyone who comes falls in love with its people.” Other users from Cuba and other countries shared their experiences, such as one who commented: “I’m Cuban living in the Dominican Republic and I confirm it, there is a special connection among us”; while someone else added: “I’m from Venezuela and I can 100% attest to your words.”

There were also deeper reflections, such as a user who commented: "It saddens me to see how in Cuba, obtaining something as simple as paint is an ordeal, but it makes me happy that you appreciate the good things about the Dominican Republic." And there were those who joked about the Dominican hospitality: "Here, if you don't accept the food or coffee offered to you, you're in trouble. It's an insult to refuse it," someone wrote, laughing.

With over 22,000 likes and thousands of comments, Eliza's videos have created a space for reflection on what we often take for granted in our daily lives. While some Dominicans admitted that they do not always appreciate their country until someone from the outside points it out, Eliza is already promising a third installment to continue sharing her experience as a Cuban in the Dominican Republic.

Cultural differences between Cuba and the Dominican Republic according to a Cuban resident