Going out to the door and calling the neighbors for a coffee might sound like something normal in Cuba, but in Missouri, where a Cuban woman lives, this custom doesn’t receive the same response. In an attempt to recreate what she misses so much about her homeland, she shouted, “Neighbor, come over for coffee.” The result: no one responded, except for her brother-in-law, who humorously replied, “Honey, come in and have it with me, because no one here is going to pay attention to you.”
The moment was shared on her TikTok account @daianadiaz2107, along with a reflection on how much she misses Cuban traditions. "In Cuba, I used to spend time with my neighbors, giving them sweets if I made them, and that dish of food was a must for New Year's. Wow, I really miss that!" she confessed in the video.
The post has not only garnered over 8,500 likes and more than a thousand comments, but it also sparked a debate among users about the nostalgia of emigrating. “In Venezuela, we used to do that too; coffee and conversation were a must,” someone wrote. Another person commented, “You miss Cuba even if you live in Miami, even if you live in Spain.”
The conversation became even more interesting with those who shared their own experiences. “I always try to share with my neighbors, but people here are very stingy,” commented one user, while another added, “I don’t miss that. I left Cuba many years ago and now I live in complete peace.” Some preferred to emphasize the supportive side of these customs: “That’s how we Latinos are, always sharing even when we have little.”
The video also struck a chord: "I was the same way, at 3 PM, I'd have my coffee and call the whole staircase," commented one person nostalgically. Another wrote: "I used to do the same in Venezuela. I’d call my neighbors and we’d sit down to chat with a cup of coffee in hand." However, not everyone sees it the same way: "I prefer not to know if neighbors exist. Privacy is worth gold," confessed someone else.
For many, the publication sparked a feeling of identity and community. “Our Cuban customs are unique,” one person remarked, while another recalled, “I miss all of that, even the sounds of people talking at the doors.” However, others did not share the same sense of nostalgia: “That only brings gossip and problems. It’s better for everyone to stay in their own homes and mind their own business,” a follower commented.
Despite differing opinions, the video made one thing clear: emigrating not only means adapting to a new place, but also learning to live without those little things that connected us to our home countries. As someone wrote, "Coffee was an excuse to be with others. Here, you don’t even know your neighbor."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nostalgia and Adaptation of Cubans in the United States
Why does a Cuban in Missouri miss her coffee customs so much?
The Cuban woman in Missouri misses the custom of sharing with her neighbors because in Cuba it was common to socialize and share simple moments like having coffee together. In the United States, especially in Missouri, this practice is not common, which leaves her with a feeling of isolation and nostalgia for the warm and spontaneous interactions of her homeland.
How does American culture affect the customs of Cuban emigrants?
American culture tends to be more individualistic, which affects Cuban emigrants who are used to more communal and close interactions. In the United States, privacy is valued and it is expected that visits be announced in advance, which contrasts with the spontaneity of relationships in Cuba. This can create a cultural shock and feelings of isolation among the Cubans who emigrate.
What feelings do Cubans face when emigrating to the United States?
Cubans who emigrate to the United States often experience nostalgia and loneliness, despite the opportunities they find in the new country. They miss the customs, the warmth of human connection, and the bonds with their neighbors and family in Cuba. However, they also seek to adapt and find strength in their new lives, especially in the well-being of their children and families.
How do Cubans in the U.S. cope with nostalgia for their country?
To cope with nostalgia, many Cubans in the U.S. rely on family connections and find comfort in small traditions like having a coffee. They also use social media to share experiences and keep their customs alive. Additionally, some find strength in the well-being of their children and the opportunities they have in the United States, which helps them manage the distance from their homeland.
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