The Cuban actor Jorge Treto visited an IKEA in Miami with his family and was impressed by the variety of home products, furniture, and the size of the store.
One of his first surprises was discovering an escalator. "In Cuba, during 'La Época', there were escalators like this. After that... no light, no escalators, no more era," Treto said resignedly.
At various moments, her mind wandered and brought her memories of Havana. The way IKEA displays its furniture made her think of the artisan fairs at PABEXPO, acknowledging the differences between these businesses that cannot be compared.
"I had never seen such a large store. The only reference I have for a warehouse like this is the Tienda de Camagüey y Boyeros, which is supposedly a wholesale store, although it only has three levels of shelves. This looks like a city," he commented.
Treto felt happy, but also moved because he thought of the people of Cuba, of those who face shortages and cannot access modern and comfortable furniture for their homes.
"Ay Cuba, how much we are missing... Ay Cubita, what you are missing out on," she expressed while looking at the IKEA shelves filled with new, beautiful, and affordable furniture for a working person in the United States.
The shopping experience at IKEA not only left scenes of nostalgia but was also filled with moments of laughter when the Cuban faced the self-service machine to pay for the products he wanted to take home. His daughter ended up helping him, and they shared some hearty laughs.
Many people have reacted to the video of the Treto family at IKEA and have left lovely comments for them.
A user expressed: "My chest tightened when she remembered Cuba. That island hurts all of us who are outside of it; it hurts to see it frozen in time."
Frequently Asked Questions about Jorge Treto's Visit to IKEA and the Situation in Cuba
Why was Jorge Treto impressed when visiting IKEA in Miami?
Jorge Treto was impressed by the variety of products and the size of the store, which contrast with the limitations and shortages experienced in Cuba, where access to modern and comfortable furniture is very limited.
What did Jorge Treto remember when he saw the escalator at IKEA?
Jorge Treto recalled the escalators at "La Época" in Cuba, now out of use due to the shortages on the island. These experiences led him to reflect on the lack of development and the daily difficulties faced by Cubans.
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect Cubans living abroad?
The scarcity in Cuba generates feelings of sadness and nostalgia among Cubans abroad, who remember the limitations they left behind. Many choose to send aid to their relatives on the island, which involves personal sacrifices.
What reflections does Jorge Treto's visit to IKEA generate regarding the situation in Cuba?
The visit of Jorge Treto to IKEA highlights the stark differences between opportunities and the quality of life in the United States and Cuba. While Treto enjoyed the abundance at IKEA, he thought about the shortages and challenges faced by his fellow countrymen on the island.
Filed under:
