A Cuban woman has sparked laughter and reflections among TikTok users by sharing her first experience at Walmart after arriving in the United States.
“They took me to Walmart right after getting off the plane and before arriving at home”, recounts @amy_te_lo_cuenta in the video. She thought it was just a simple shopping trip to a local store, but what she found was, in her own words, “a continent.”
As soon as she crossed the door, she knew she had entered unknown territory. The endless hallways, the layout of the space, the abundance of products, and the calmness with which customers made their purchases stood in stark contrast to her confusion as a newcomer. “I felt like I needed to ask for a map or a tour guide,” she recalls while remembering how overwhelming that first encounter with large-scale consumption was.
One of the details that struck her most was the size of the shopping cart, which she felt was designed “to move an entire family.” As she walked through the aisles, she was surprised to find everything from televisions to bicycles, tools, or giant cookies. “In Cuba, if you go to a grocery store, you’re lucky if there’s food. Here, there’s everything, in any aisle,” she reflected.
The most emotional moment came when entering the meat section. “The chicken was there, waiting for me, no queue, no debate. I felt like hugging it,” she commented. Her sister, accustomed to the routine, moved forward without surprise, while she filled the cart with a pack of 48 rolls of toilet paper, simply because they were on sale.
But the most tense moment came when she reached the self-checkout. She thought that if she made a mistake, an alarm would go off and she would be deported. “My sister told me to just go ahead and that I would pay at the end, as if that were normal,” she recalled. That stark contrast with the reality she experienced in Cuba left her wide-eyed and with a certainty: “My life was starting now.”
The video has generated an avalanche of reactions. Dozens of migrants, especially Cubans, shared their own first experiences in Walmart, Costco, or similar stores. Some admitted to crying, while others felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stimuli. For many, that first encounter with an American supermarket signifies the beginning of a new chapter, marked by wonder, freedom, and the opportunity to choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Experience of Cubans in Supermarkets in the United States
Why are newly arrived Cubans surprised when they enter a Walmart in the United States?
Cuban newcomers to the United States are astonished upon entering a Walmart due to the abundance and variety of products available, something that starkly contrasts with the reality of scarcity they experienced in Cuba. This experience is often an emotional shock that marks the beginning of a new chapter for many.
What emotional impact does a first visit to a supermarket in the United States have for Cubans?
The first visit to a supermarket in the United States can be emotionally overwhelming for Cubans due to the freedom of choice and the availability of products compared to what they experienced in Cuba. This situation evokes mixed feelings of joy over new opportunities and sadness for the family members they left behind.
How does scarcity in Cuba affect the perception of Cubans when shopping abroad?
The scarcity in Cuba makes Cubans view supermarkets abroad as places of almost unimaginable abundance. This perception highlights the economic difficulties and lack of basic products on the island, allowing Cubans to appreciate the variety and availability of goods even more when they emigrate.
Why are videos about Cubans in supermarkets popular on social media?
Videos about Cubans in supermarkets are popular because they reflect the contrast between scarcity in Cuba and abundance abroad, which creates empathy and emotional connection among viewers. Furthermore, these videos allow other Cubans and Latin Americans to identify with the experience and share their own stories.
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