"A luxury in Cuba that is something everyday, quite normal in Mexico," begins the Cuban Michel Crónicas (@michelcronicas) in one of his most recent TikTok videos, where he contrasts his current life in Mexico with the one he had on the island. This time, he speaks about the possibility of staying in a hotel, something that, as he explains, was never within his budget when he lived in Cuba.
“ I remember perfectly that in Cuba one would see a hotel, I saw them in Havana and said: 'this is for foreigners, this is for international tourism, no Cuban can stay here',” says Michel, who adds that even as a professor at the University of Havana, he could not afford that luxury. “With my salary as a professor... no, impossible, impossible,” he asserts.
Only after emigrating to Mexico and returning as a visitor was he able to stay in one for the first time. “Before that moment, never. It was a luxury, it still is a luxury to stay in a hotel in Cuba,” he says. In contrast, in Mexico he mentions he can choose hotels that are “more economical, cheaper, more expensive,” like the one he is in at the center of Morelia: “With a giant bed, even, I’m in the center of Morelia with breakfast included, something ordinary, something accessible.”
In another of his videos, Michel reflected on the ease of mobility in the Aztec country compared to his homeland. “Traveling, that’s right, friends… in Cuba, traveling between provinces is extremely complicated,” he begins. “You have to buy bus tickets well in advance; there’s a waiting list, it’s all very stressful when you’re planning a trip,” he recalls. As he walks alongside the bus station in Morelia, he compares: “Here in Mexico it’s very different, it’s very practical, and there’s a lot of mobility, there are countless transportation options.”
"Today, I'm going to buy a round-trip ticket for tomorrow. I want to travel to the city of Querétaro, and I'm going to buy it right now. I know there's availability because there are also many options and numerous bus companies," he explains. "I have several options for traveling. And done, I have my ticket to Querétaro for tomorrow. I bought a one-way ticket since I’ll be returning tomorrow, and since they have departures every hour... I can decide if I want to stay longer, shorter, everything is easy, no lines, no complications, completely accessible."
His third reflection revolves around electricity. "A luxury in Cuba is something common in Mexico: access to electricity," he comments while walking down a well-lit street in the historical center of Morelia. "I was just talking to my mom and my brother who are in Cuba, and they were telling me that right now there’s no electricity, like every day. And look at how much light there is, just on one street... everything completely lit up, everything completely illuminated."
The three videos have sparked thousands of reactions on TikTok. “I love that you share with us (those of us who don't know) what Cuba is like, so we can appreciate what we have here,” commented one user. Others expressed affection and support: “You’ve earned everything through your hard work, congratulations, I admire you a lot,” one person said. Several Mexicans welcomed him to Morelia: “It’s beautiful, enjoy your visit,” a girl told him. There were also comments highlighting cultural contrasts: “Here, we pay for the hotel or the motel to… You know that doesn't happen at home if you have family.”
Michel's testimony adds to a growing trend of Cubans abroad reflecting on the shortages in the island. In January, creator Lietty Piña spoke from Mexico about how everyday products like toilet paper, Coca-Cola, meat, and clothing are considered luxuries in Cuba. More recently, Elizabeth, also residing in Mexico, recounted that “the first time I bought something myself with my money was here in Mexico,” referring to the impossibility of obtaining clothing in Cuba without relying on others.
Another creator, @soy_edgy, shared from the U.S. that turning on the shower to get hot water or having a bottle of cologne were things "for the rich" on the island. From Spain, Anita Mateu also reflected on the small details she used to consider privileges, like having a variety of clothes or being able to choose what to eat.
The experiences of these Cubans, conveyed plainly and from everyday life, reveal the contrast between what is normal outside the island and what remains a daily struggle in Cuba. As Michel Crónicas puts it: "Something common in Mexico, and it's a super luxury in Cuba."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Differences Between Living in Cuba and Mexico According to Michel Crónicas
Why is staying in a hotel considered a luxury in Cuba?
In Cuba, staying in a hotel is considered a luxury mainly because hotels are aimed at international tourism, and Cubans, due to their low salaries, cannot afford such expenses. Michel Crónicas mentions that, even as a university professor in Havana, he was unable to stay in a hotel, which contrasts with his experience in Mexico, where staying in hotels of various categories is affordable.
How is access to mobility and transportation in Cuba compared to Mexico?
Access to mobility and transportation in Cuba is extremely complicated. Michel recounts that in Cuba, one must purchase bus tickets well in advance, and the waiting list to travel between provinces is a constant source of stress. In contrast, in Mexico, there are multiple transportation options and ticket availability, making travel much more practical and accessible.
What is the situation regarding access to electricity in Cuba according to Michel Crónicas?
Access to electricity in Cuba is limited and unreliable, which contrasts with the situation in Mexico. Michel mentions how in Cuba it is common for electricity to be out during the day, while in the streets of Mexico, even at night, there is constant and adequate lighting. This difference highlights the precariousness of basic services on the island.
What basic products are difficult to obtain in Cuba according to testimonies from Cubans abroad?
Basic products such as toilet paper, meat, clothing, and a variety of food items are difficult to obtain in Cuba. Michel Crónicas and other Cubans abroad have shared their astonishment at finding a range of products in Mexico that are considered luxuries in Cuba. These experiences highlight the daily challenges faced by Cubans in obtaining essential goods.
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