The Cuban Lietty Piña, based in Mexico, shared her first experience in a Waldo's store on TikTok, and she couldn’t help but get emotional comparing what she saw with the scarcity in Cuba. The video, just over a minute and a half long, has generated a strong response on social media, with hundreds of supportive messages, criticisms, and reflections.
“I’m excited because I see everything and I say... I see the prices and that excites me even more because they are so affordable,” says @liettypi at the beginning of the video as she walks through the aisles. With a constant smile, she adds: “I want to take some things for the kitchen; the kitchen, the bedroom, and the bathroom are my favorite parts of the house.”
The young girl shows notebooks, decorated planners with glitter and fluff, chalkboards, and other school supplies. "The dream of any girl in Cuba," she says upon seeing the planners. "Look at this... I love, love... this is just sparkle. Oh, I want one! They're so pretty, my God!" she exclaims, laughing.
"I love this part of the stores where there are books and little things. I'm still like a little girl," she comments while pointing to a section of stationery items. She then reflects, "It's just that in Cuba we couldn't have these things like you can here, where you come and buy whatever you want."
One of the most talked-about moments in the video was when he stated: “In Cuba, a child who brought a notebook like this to school was considered a millionaire; their family had money, their family lived in the yuma. Most children used the basic notebooks provided by the school, which sometimes made it so you couldn’t even see what you wrote.”
The video has sparked a wave of mixed reactions. Many celebrated Lietty's authenticity and joy, with messages such as: “Congratulations on being so genuine,” “How beautiful to see your emotion,” “It makes us appreciate what we have,” and “Welcome to Mexico, warrior.”
Others expressed admiration: “You are beautiful from the inside,” “Your freckles look great,” “What a lovely Cuban girl,” or simply sent heart and smile emojis.
There were also condescending and sarcastic criticisms. Some comments included: "Poor thing, gets emotional over nothing," "Beggar in charge," or "With a new toy." Another user sarcastically remarked, "Life is better in Cuba, right?" while someone else questioned, "When are you going back?"
Cultural and linguistic observations also emerged. One person commented, “But she says ‘glirer’… and in Spanish we say ‘glitter’,” referring to the accent and idioms of the young woman. Others asked, “What is ‘yuma’?” or “Is everything at Waldo’s three pesos?”
The Cuban has already been involved in other viral moments. In last January, she reflected on how basic products like toilet paper, Coca-Cola, meat, and clothing are luxuries on the island. She also narrated her migratory journey that took her from Cuba to Mexico, passing through Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. Regarding her 'first times,' she also shared her visit to a Miniso store, which also caused a stir due to her excitement and surprise at the variety of products available.
Testimonies like those of Lietty Piña reflect a reality shared by many Cubans when they emigrate: the emotional confrontation with a daily life they once only imagined. Her reaction upon entering Waldo's not only shows astonishment but also a memory of scarcity and a need to celebrate what once seemed impossible. “I really love it,” she repeats several times in the video, as if she is just beginning to believe that what is in front of her is real.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans in stores in Mexico
Why did Lietty Piña get so emotional when visiting Waldo's in Mexico?
Lietty Piña was thrilled to visit Waldo's because of the abundance and variety of products she found, a stark contrast to the scarcity she experienced in Cuba. Her reaction reflects both the astonishment and the emotional impact that access to these goods can have on someone who has lived under rationing conditions.
How did people react to Lietty Piña's video on TikTok?
The video by Lietty Piña generated mixed reactions on TikTok. Many users expressed support and admiration for her authenticity and joy, while others offered condescending critiques and sarcastic comments. This polarization in responses reflects the varying perceptions and experiences of people regarding Cuban reality and abundance in other countries.
What is the "yuma" that Lietty Piña refers to in her video?
In the Cuban context, "yuma" is a colloquial term used to refer to the United States or, more broadly, to any developed foreign country. The expression implies a contrast with the limitations of Cuba and is often associated with the idea of prosperity and access to goods that are scarce or nonexistent on the island.
What other common products in Mexico are considered luxuries in Cuba?
In Cuba, products that are common in Mexico, such as toilet paper, Coca-Cola, meat, and clothing, are considered luxuries due to their scarcity and high cost. These basic goods are beyond the reach of many Cubans, creating a stark contrast with the availability found in other countries.
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