A young Cuban shared a charming anecdote about his grandmother in Spain on social media that has gone viral.
Brother Rumi, as he is known on TikTok, revealed that his grandmother had not been to the beach in 10 years.
In the video, he is seen on the sand eating various fruits when suddenly his grandson shows him a tray with plums still wrapped in plastic.
"What you were dying to eat, that you hadn’t been able to eat," he said to her.
At first, the lady is unable to identify what fruit it is.
"Plum?" she asked, surprised. "They look like green apples," she added, admiring what she called "beauty."
Hundreds of internet users commented on the post.
"I'm glad you're enjoying the little things so much," said one.
"What a lovely and sweet lady, don't take her to Cuba anymore, let her enjoy here," suggested another.
"How lovely is the lady; they did well to bring her out of Cuba, to bring her to Spain, and to give her a dignified life that all human beings deserve," stated a third person.
"That is communism/socialism. Poverty and scarcity. The hungry people, deceived, punished for everything," recalled a user.
The protagonist of this story is none other than Perla, an 87-year-old Cuban who recently arrived in Tenerife, whose videos shared by her grandson have made her a popular figure on TikTok.
Perla's new life in Spain, away from the scarcity she experienced in Cuba, has earned her a multitude of admirers, so many that she was even interviewed on a television program.
Her reaction to seeing an ice cream cone that reminds her of her childhood, the pizzas of various sizes in a supermarket, or the variety of sweets from a bakery have moved many to tears, as there are thousands in Cuba who continue to live in misery without the chance to experience a life beyond the borders of the Island.
What is a part of everyday life for those living in Spain (such as going to a supermarket filled with products) is for this elderly woman a return to life, to things she hasn't seen in over 50 years due to the shortages in Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of the Cuban grandmother in Spain
Why did the story of the Cuban grandmother in Spain go viral?
The story of the Cuban grandmother went viral due to her emotional and spontaneous reaction as she experienced common products and places in Spain for the first time. Her astonishment and joy at seeing ice cream, sweets, and supermarkets filled with products contrast with the scarcity experienced in Cuba, generating empathy and tenderness among internet users.
How has the adaptation of the Cuban grandmother to life in Spain been?
The Cuban grandmother, 87 years old, has shown remarkable adaptability and enthusiasm in discovering the new aspects of life in Spain. She feels very well in terms of health and spirits, and has expressed her desire to remain in Spain because it feels like home to her. Her grandson has been a crucial support in this process, sharing special moments with her.
What impact have the videos of the Cuban grandmother had on social media?
The videos have had a significant social impact, generating millions of views and comments. The reactions capture the emotion and tenderness of the grandmother as she discovers a new world, and have served as a silent denunciation of the shortages in Cuba, highlighting the contrast with the abundance and accessibility of basic products in other countries.
What does the story of the Cuban grandmother symbolize for other emigrants?
The story of the Cuban grandmother symbolizes the emotional impact and hope for a new beginning for many emigrants who have lived in conditions of scarcity. Her experience reflects the inequalities in access to basic products and services, and highlights the importance of family ties and reunions in the Cuban diaspora.
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