A Cuban woman could not contain her amazement and excitement when visiting a store in Mexico, where she found a wide variety of products that are scarce or unattainable in Cuba.
In a video published on TikTok, the user Lietty Piña showcases shelves filled with toys, household items, makeup and beauty products, among others, expressing her surprise at the availability of the products.
"Look, how lovely, there's everything," the Cuban exclaims as she walks through the aisles of the store, visibly excited.
His reaction reflects the harsh reality faced by the population of the island, where the state stores are consistently out of stock and prices in the informal market are prohibitive for most people.
One of her biggest surprises was when she found the candles and other aromatic products. "I love candles, everything related to scents and perfumes," she said excitedly as she explored the section of fragrances and air fresheners.
The Cuban woman, visiting Miniso for the first time, said she had never entered a store like that and described them as "beautiful, look at how they sell things!"
"I live here, but I had never come here," she clarified. "That store is really beautiful. I swear I had never been to this store here," she added.
Miniso is a chain of stores of Japanese origin with a strong focus on design and price accessibility. Present in Mexico since 2016, the brand has rapidly expanded in the country, offering a wide variety of products, including household items, technology, beauty accessories, and toys. Its business model has been successful in Mexico due to its combination of attractive design, affordable prices, and a unique shopping experience.
Another striking reaction was when she came across the hallway of plush toys, which had a wide variety. "If my niece sees this, she'll fall in love," she commented with nostalgia.
The reactions of Cubans when visiting stores abroad reflect the emotional impact caused by the abundance of products in contrast to the scarcity in Cuba.
For example, a Cuban mother visiting a supermarket in the United States for the first time could not contain her amazement at the variety of breads and fruits available, expressing: "I give thanks, blessed Lord, because my eyes are truly seeing this. This is a dream come true."
Similarly, a young Cuban in Spain shared her surprise at encountering the variety of products in stores and supermarkets, commenting: "I was amazed when I entered the stores and supermarkets and saw so many things to choose from."
These experiences highlight the stark contrast between everyday life in Cuba and the availability of goods in other countries, evoking in Cubans a mix of astonishment, excitement, and sometimes nostalgia when remembering their loved ones on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cubans in Foreign Stores
Why did the Cuban Lietty Piña get emotional when visiting a store in Mexico?
Lietty Piña was excited to visit a store in Mexico due to the wide variety of products available, which starkly contrasts with the scarcity experienced in Cuba. The abundance of items like toys, makeup, and aromatic products was something she had never experienced before, leading to a reaction of wonder and excitement.
What does the reaction of Cubans when visiting stores abroad reflect?
The reaction of Cubans when visiting stores abroad reflects the emotional impact of the abundance of products they find outside their country. This experience highlights the contrast between scarcity in Cuba and the availability of goods in other nations, creating in them a mix of awe, joy, and often nostalgia as they remember the limitations on the island.
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect Cuban families abroad?
The shortages in Cuba emotionally impact Cuban families abroad, who often feel sadness and nostalgia, especially during festive seasons. Many choose to send packages with basic goods and gifts to their relatives on the island, which involves personal and financial sacrifices to assist their loved ones.
What differences are highlighted by the videos of Cubans in foreign supermarkets?
The videos of Cubans in foreign supermarkets highlight the significant differences in the availability of goods. They showcase the astonishment at the variety and abundance of products, in contrast to the reality of scarcity in Cuba, where shopping options are limited and expensive, especially for imported items.
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