A young Venezuelan woman who visited Cuba with her Cuban boyfriend sparked a wave of comments on TikTok after sharing a video of their trip. In the video, Lillibeth Márquez (@sheslilly27) can be seen exploring some of the island's tourist sites with her partner, accompanied by messages like "My Cuban took me to Cuba" and "Cuba, how beautiful you are."
However, its release generated mixed reactions among users, especially among those who are well acquainted with the Cuban reality. Some users expressed regret that only a "postcard Cuba" was showcased, which is often reserved for tourists.
Among the most notable comments, several pointed out that despite having lived for decades on the island, they never had access to the places shown in the video. One comment stated, "I lived in Cuba for 20 years and never knew that Cuba." Others, in a more critical tone, suggested that the young woman should visit the poorer neighborhoods where, according to users, poverty and struggles are evident: "Tell her to take you to the neighborhoods where people are hungry, in need, and the sadness of the people is palpable. My Cuba is beautiful, but my people are suffering."
"I wish I could go to my beautiful Cuba, and of course, visit places I could never go when I lived there." "Cuba is beautiful, but it’s a shame that it’s only for tourists." "Especially if you're a tourist! It’s beautiful only for those who can afford that beauty." "Yes, obviously that part of Cuba is very nice, but you're missing the other side," say other comments alongside the video.
Despite the criticism, the Venezuelan responded to several of these comments. In one of her replies, she explained that she had slept in her boyfriend's neighborhood, not in a hotel, and that her intention was to get to know his homeland, although she acknowledged being aware of the difficulties both countries face. "The reality of our countries is very sad and painful, but despite all the bad that may exist, I still dreamed of seeing his land, of knowing where he came from," she expressed.
Furthermore, the young woman argued that in Cuba there are certain places accessible to everyone, such as the historic center of Old Havana and the beaches, which she described as free spaces. She clarified that, rather than staying at a luxury resort, she shared her day-to-day life with her partner's family in their own neighborhood.
"It was a family trip for me to stay in the neighborhood with them, not in a hotel. All Cubans can go to Old Havana and the beach because they are free!" he replied to another comment.
What do you think?
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