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A TikTok video sparked a true wave of laughter, nostalgia, and empathy among Cubans who have emigrated to the United States. In the recording, which has already garnered thousands of interactions, users are invited to share any embarrassing experiences they faced as newcomers to the country. What began as a simple anecdote ended up becoming a kind of collective therapy, both humorous and touching.
It all started with the confession of a young man who, not knowing how to activate the shower to get the water to come from above, bathed crouching down for several days. His story struck a common chord: many commented that they had gone through the same thing. "I showered with a cup," "I thought it was broken," "I went out to seek help because I couldn’t take it anymore," were some of the most frequent responses.
The comments transformed into a collection of stories that blend bewilderment, tenderness, and the purest humor. Here’s a selection of the most viral ones:
"I took a shower with a glass for a week because I didn't know how the water worked from above."
"My husband changed the shower thinking it was broken... when in fact, we just didn't know how to turn it on."
"I bought something from a soda machine, and it said I was missing a 'dime'... and I whispered to it: I want Coca-Cola."
“At CVS, they closed with me inside. I had to call 911 to get them to let me out.”
"I walked into the drive-thru at McDonald's and the car behind me honked. I shouted: 'Respect my turn!'"
"I went to cross the street and ended up waiting for the little traffic light figure without knowing that I had to press a button. I spent half an hour there."
"I got lost in IKEA and cried from anxiety. What a huge store, my God!"
"I filled it with gas and pulled the lever... it shot out like a fire hose. I was shouting: 'Help!'"
“At Wendy's, they gave me the empty cup from the combo, and I threw it away... I thought I had been scammed.”
"I ate the fortune cookie with the paper inside."
"I ate a Babybel cheese with the red plastic. I thought it was part of the cheese."
"I washed the disposable cups from the party because I thought they were reusable."
"I waxed my eyebrows with depilatory cream without knowing… and I ended up without eyebrows on December 31st."
"I heated a hamburger with aluminum foil in the microwave. I almost set the house on fire."
"I put Fabuloso in the washing machine thinking it was detergent."
"I thought the fire alarm on the ceiling was a camera... and I didn't do anything 'private' for a week."
"When I walked into Ross, the security said 'Welcome,' and I told my mom: let's go, they're kicking us out."
"The day I arrived at Miami airport, a gentleman lent me his phone to call my dad and let him know I had landed, and when he answered, I said: hurry up, I'm using up the balance."
"I told my uncle: look how nice, there's a place to play dominoes... and it turns out it was a pizzeria."
"My wife tells me she is at a laundry called 'Cedule'. I couldn't find it on the map at all. When I finally arrived, there was a sign that said 'Laundry Schedule'."
"The first time I went out alone, I got lost, and when I called my nephew, I said: 'Kid, you can find me easily, I'm at a traffic light.'"
"I went to enter a store with my daughter and we were carrying some bags. At that moment, something beeped; we looked at each other and I said, 'Let's go, we can't enter here with bags.'"
"I didn't know that the dryer needed its filter cleaned and I broke two of them, until I took it to a mechanic who told me, 'Cubans always have the same issue. Don't you have dryers in Cuba or what?'"
“At Starbucks, they asked for my name, and I said: ‘Why do you need it if I only ordered coffee?’”
"I have a cousin who ate dog biscuits. Poor thing, he found out they were for dogs 15 days after he had been eating them."
From Sorrow to Laughter: A Collective Catharsis
This video, which seemed like a simple invitation to share anecdotes, turned into a humorous portrait of the cultural shock that many Cubans experience upon arriving in the United States. Amid language mistakes, technological confusions, and new customs, what emerged was a collection of genuine, human, and deeply relatable moments.
A user summarized it like this, between laughter and resignation: "There are so many outrageous things, born from the fear of asking and the backwardness, that we can only laugh. One step at a time."
Amid all those embarrassments, what became clear is that laughing at oneself—especially at the beginning of a new life—is one of the best ways to adapt, heal, and move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans Recently Arrived in the U.S.
Why are the anecdotes of Cubans who have just arrived in the U.S. so popular on social media?
The anecdotes of newly arrived Cubans are popular because they blend humor, nostalgia, and unique cultural experiences. These stories capture moments of surprise and adaptation that are easily relatable to other immigrants, generating empathy and laughter. By sharing everyday situations that are novel to them, these videos create an emotional connection with the audience, especially within the Cuban community.
What challenges do Cubans face when using appliances in the U.S.?
Cubans face challenges when using appliances in the U.S. due to a lack of familiarity with the available technology. Many of them come from an environment with limited access to modern devices, leading to confusion and mistakes when trying to use them. These challenges are part of the cultural adaptation process, where humor and support from other immigrants play a key role in overcoming these obstacles.
How do cultural differences influence the experiences of Cubans in the U.S.?
Cultural differences significantly influence the experiences of Cubans in the U.S., creating situations of cultural shock and learning. When facing new customs, technologies, and services, Cubans must adapt to an environment that often contrasts with their previous reality. This process can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth and finding common ground with other immigrants who have gone through similar experiences.
What role does humor play in the stories of Cubans newly arrived in the U.S.?
Humor plays a fundamental role in the stories of newly arrived Cubans, as it helps to ease the adaptation process and connect with others. Laughing at mistakes and misunderstandings allows immigrants to face nostalgia and the stress of cultural change in a lighter and more positive way. Furthermore, humor facilitates the creation of bonds within the Cuban community, strengthening the sense of identity and belonging.
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