The Cuban user @niurki2107 has sparked a debate on TikTok with her video discussing the differences between Spain and the United States, addressing the curiosity of one of her followers. With her personal touch, Niurki explains that one of the biggest contrasts she has noticed is in public transportation: in Spain, it's easy to get around by walking or using public transport, while in the U.S., "having a car is a priority" because there is almost no culture of walking or using public transportation.
Niurki also mentions that in the supermarkets of the United States, she finds “a lot, a lot of abundance of all kinds of products,” although she acknowledges that the prices are higher, in line with salaries in this country. Another interesting observation she shared is about habits: in Spain, she saw that “90% of people” smoked cigarettes, whereas in the U.S., she has hardly noticed that custom. Furthermore, she emphasizes that food in Spain is less processed than in the United States, which she considers an important difference in terms of quality of life. Lastly, she admits that the biggest challenge for her has been the language, as she is learning English.
Reactions in the comments have been swift. Some users shared their perspectives, with many clarifying that there is indeed public transportation in the U.S., although "very few people use it." Others added that in cities like New York or New Jersey, the transportation system is "good," while in other areas, "even the poorest can own a car, or even two if they want." One user remarked, "How can there be no public transport for people without vehicles?" Meanwhile, another user from Europe explained that there, "young people and the elderly rely on public transportation" because "life is more liberating, and people walk more."
The comparison of the markets also sparked opinions. A user from Spain stated, “it’s more unstable here, but I love Spain”; another commented that “Spain is one of the worst countries in all of Europe economically, don’t compare it to the United States.” One follower was even more blunt: “But what are you doing here? Why didn't you stay in Spain?”
With this blend of opinions and experiences, @niurki2107 has sparked a discussion about what it means to adapt to two such different cultures, and especially about the pros and cons of each place. What about you? Which of these countries do you identify with the most?
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