From Lugo, Galicia, the Cuban TikTok user @walkys__ shared a new video in which she reflects on three aspects she wishes she had known before emigrating to Spain. Her testimony adds to the other content she has been posting since her arrival in the European country, where she recounts her experience as a newcomer.
“Here are three things I wish I had known before emigrating,” he says at the beginning of the video posted a few hours ago. Walkys, who claims to have been in Spain for just over a month, first lists the slowness of bureaucracy: “The paperwork, permits, and registrations take time and patience. It’s not impossible, but you need to be calm, especially in July and August.” He explains that during those months, many offices reduce their hours and staff due to vacations.
Secondly, it mentions the cultural shock, specifically in language: “We might speak the same language, but we don't use the same words.” It details that, in addition to well-known terms like “patata” instead of “papa” or “autobús” for “guagua,” there are others that are less evident, such as “pomo” or “jaba,” which in Spain are referred to as “botella” and “bolsa.”
The third warning is about the need to have a good savings before emigrating: “The first few months are the most expensive; money goes towards rent, transportation, paperwork, and everything you need upon arrival because, of course, you start from scratch.”
In the comments of the video, others shared their experiences. "Emigrating is the hardest thing," wrote one user, while another commented, "The first year is really exhausting." There were also welcome messages from residents in Lugo and numerous expressions of support, to which Walkys responded with gratitude.
This new content adds to two previous videos that also captured attention on social media. In one of them, published on August 8, Walkys shared the seven things that left her speechless upon arriving in Spain, such as the window shutters, organized containers, scented garbage bags, and sunlight until ten at night.
In another more recent video, she recounted how she managed to emigrate with her husband and daughter thanks to the Law of Democratic Memory, which allowed her partner to obtain Spanish nationality and her a community family visa. “Thanks to that law [...] we were able to travel to Spain together,” she said at that time.
From his TikTok profile, @walkys__ continues to document his adaptation process with a warm and reflective tone. "Tell me, if you've already emigrated, what would you have liked to know before doing it? I'm listening," he concludes in his latest video.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emigration of Cubans to Spain
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans when emigrating to Spain?
The main challenges include the sluggishness of bureaucracy, cultural shock, and the need for a good initial savings. Administrative processes can be slow, especially in the summer when many offices have reduced hours. Furthermore, although the same language is spoken, there are differences in the use of certain words that can cause confusion. Finally, it is essential to have savings due to the high initial cost of living.
How does the Law of Democratic Memory affect Cubans who wish to emigrate to Spain?
The Law of Democratic Memory has been essential for many Cubans, as it allows descendants of Spaniards to obtain Spanish nationality. This has made it easier for entire families to emigrate legally and safely, avoiding irregular routes and enabling family reunifications in Spain.
What cultural differences do Cubans experience upon arriving in Spain?
Cubans experience several cultural differences upon arriving in Spain, such as the use of different words for common objects and the respect for coexistence rules, such as urban silence and road safety. Additionally, they are surprised by the organization and cleanliness in public spaces, as well as different eating habits.
Is it important to have savings before emigrating to Spain?
It is crucial to have good savings before emigrating to Spain, as the first few months tend to be the most costly. Expenses include rent, transportation, legal procedures, and other setup costs, which can be high when starting from scratch in a new country.
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