Washing the car can be a routine task for many, but it can also turn into an experience full of emotions and even small discoveries.
While confronting her fear of car washes and taking the opportunity to leave her vehicle spotless, this Cuban woman living in the United States shared a trick that, although it may seem basic to some, was a complete novelty for her after 14 years in the country: "Here, there are machines where you can wash the carpets, and they come out dry."
It was thanks to an employee at the place that she learned how these machines worked, and now she wanted to share it with others who might be just as amazed as she was: “You have to place the carpet upside down. It will automatically pick it up; it starts the process, and then it gives it back to you from below, all dry and everything,” she explained while recording.
In her video, Lázara Isis (@lazaraisis) also confessed that washing her car alone is not something she finds easy. “Do you want to see me terrified? Because not being able to see anything [in the car wash tunnel] is something that really gets to me. I panic,” she admitted. However, she emphasized that the experience was worthwhile, not just for the final result but also for the learning process. “Well, here’s how my car turned out: clean and fresh-smelling. It lasts me two days because my dear daughters, my love, take such good care of it,” she joked.
Have you also felt nervous at a car wash or discovered something new about these machines?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans in Car Washes in the U.S.
Why do Cubans find the use of machines for cleaning carpets at car washes novel?
For many Cubans who have emigrated to the United States, certain everyday technologies and services are completely new and surprising. In the case of the Cuban mentioned in the news, she discovered a machine that cleans and dries carpets, something she had never seen in her 14 years in the country. Such experiences highlight the technological differences between Cuba and the United States and how immigrants adapt to them.
Why do some Cubans feel fear when going through a car wash?
The fear of going through a car wash may stem from the feeling of being enclosed and the lack of visibility during the process. For those unfamiliar with this type of service, such as some newly arrived Cubans, the experience can be intimidating and cause anxiety. However, over time and with repeated exposure, most people become accustomed to it and manage to overcome their initial fear.
How has the perception of work at a car wash changed among Cubans in the U.S.?
For many Cubans in the U.S., working at a car wash represents an employment opportunity that, while sometimes frustrating, is also a necessary source of income. However, the quality of service can vary, leading to criticism and reflections on work ethics and employee commitment in this sector. Some Cubans have expressed their disappointment with the service, while others have found in these jobs a means to get ahead and adapt to life in the country.
What impact do car wash experiences have on the Cuban community on social media?
Car wash experiences have become a popular topic among the Cuban community on social media due to their ability to generate humor and foster cultural connections.Videos that capture genuine and humorous reactions to everyday situations, like washing a car, resonate with many users who share similar backgrounds. These contents not only entertain but also promote a sense of community and reflect the cultural adaptations that Cubans experience abroad.
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