Three days after arriving in the U.S., a Cuban mother shares what she liked and disliked the most: "I had never been into a store."

A Cuban mother newly arrived in the U.S. shares her first impressions: she is surprised by the access to stores and misses her family in Cuba. The video reflects the contrast between both realities.


A recently arrived Cuban mother in the United States shared in a video her first impressions of her new life in the North American country, just three days after stepping foot on U.S. soil.

The video, posted on TikTok by his son @blued_diamond, shows the emotional moment when he asks her what she has liked the most, what she has liked the least, and what she misses about Cuba.

"What I liked least is that it has been raining," the woman replied with a smile. However, when asked about what has impacted her the most in these first few days, she didn't hesitate: "What I liked most is everything," she said enthusiastically.

The Cuban woman also admitted that she had never entered a store before, hinting at the limitations and shortages she experienced on the island, where access to consumer goods is becoming increasingly difficult.

When asked what he misses most about Cuba, his response was immediate: “My mom and my son.” A brief statement, but one that captures the emotional weight of those who emigrate and must leave their loved ones behind.

The video has generated multiple reactions on social media, with comments of support, empathy, and also reflection on the contrasting realities between Cuba and the United States.

Many users identified with the words of the Cuban mother and highlighted the mixture of hope and nostalgia that those who are just starting a new life outside the island often experience.

Frequently asked questions about Cuban migration and adaptation in the United States

What has surprised the Cuban mother newly arrived in the United States the most?

What has surprised the Cuban mother the most is the access to consumer goods, as she stated that she had never entered a store before. This experience highlights the limitations and shortages experienced in Cuba, where access to basic products is challenging.

What are the main feelings that Cubans experience upon arriving in the United States?

Upon arriving in the United States, many Cubans experience a mix of excitement for the new opportunities and nostalgia for leaving their loved ones behind. The Cuban mother mentioned that what she misses most about Cuba is her mother and her son, reflecting the emotional impact of migration.

How do social media react to the experiences of newly arrived Cubans in the U.S.?

The experiences of newly arrived Cubans often generate empathy and support on social media. Videos and testimonies of their "first times" in the United States, such as entering a store or reuniting with family, receive numerous comments from people who resonate with their experiences and celebrate their new beginnings.

What is the main criticism of the Cuban regime reflected in these testimonies?

The main criticism is the lack of access to consumer goods and opportunities in Cuba, which forces many to emigrate in search of a better quality of life. The Cuban mother emphasized that she had never had the chance to enter a store on the island, highlighting the shortages and state control over access to essential products.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.