Six years after moving to the United States, a Cuban woman humorously confessed that she cannot shake off a deeply rooted habit from the scarcity experienced on the island: taking toilet paper with her every time she goes to a bathroom.
TikTok user @nayelisbouzariver shared a video filled with humor and nostalgia, where she reveals that every time she enters a bathroom in the U.S., she can't help but feel the urge to grab the toilet paper, just like she used to do in Cuba.
"What time, when, in what year will this be over? I can't get over it," she expresses with laughter in the recording, which has garnered thousands of views and comments.
"Question for Cubans! Who else feels like I do? I can't find toilet paper," the young woman wrote alongside the video, sparking a wave of responses from other emigrants who related to her situation.
The post has sparked a amusing exchange of anecdotes, with Cubans from various parts of the world sharing their own customs that, while they may seem odd outside of Cuba, are part of the emotional baggage that many carry with them after emigrating.
"They never go away; I feel the same about ashtrays, haha," "These are the remnants of communism that just don't fade," and "I admit I've taken some too, haha," commented some Cuban women in the video.
The chronic shortage of basic products on the island, including toilet paper, has shaped the daily routine of many Cubans for years, leading them to develop strategies to cope with the scarcity, such as always carrying napkins or rolls of paper in their backpacks.
Even though Nayelis has been in North American land for several years now, her video highlights that there are habits that take much longer to fade away, and that humor is a powerful way to heal, share, and connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Persistent Cuban Customs Abroad
Why do Cubans feel the need to take toilet paper from public restrooms abroad?
Cubans tend to take toilet paper from public restrooms due to the chronic shortage of this basic product in Cuba, which has created a habit that is hard to break even after emigrating. This practice, while it may seem odd outside the island, reflects the strategies developed to cope with the lack of resources in their home country.
What other customs do Cubans abroad maintain due to the shortages experienced in Cuba?
In addition to taking toilet paper, Cubans living abroad often keep nylon bags, reuse plastic containers, and wash clothes by hand. These habits reflect a culture of saving and recycling that has developed in Cuba due to resource scarcity, and many of these practices continue as part of their cultural identity.
How do these customs affect the adaptation of Cubans abroad?
These customs can ease adaptation to a new environment by providing a sense of continuity and connection to cultural roots. However, they can also lead to humorous or nostalgic situations when they contrast with local practices. Overall, these customs help preserve Cuban cultural identity abroad.
Why do Cubans abroad consider some basic products as luxuries?
In Cuba, many basic products such as toilet paper, meat, and Coca-Cola are scarce or difficult to obtain, making them luxuries. Upon emigrating, Cubans are surprised to find that these products are common and accessible in other countries, highlighting the economic and supply challenges they face on the island.
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