A Cuban residing in the United States shared a shocking testimony on TikTok strongly advising against traveling to Cuba. The young woman, identified as Elizabeth (@_eli85), claims to have spent less than a day on the island, but it was enough to leave her emotionally impacted. Her video, which lasts over eight minutes and is accompanied by the hashtag #cubaduele, has gone viral on the platform.
"Cuban, if you are thinking about traveling to Cuba, I’m going to give you a piece of advice that you didn’t ask for, but I’m going to give it anyway: don’t go, don’t travel," Elizabeth began saying in the video recorded from her car.
The young woman explained that she arrived in Cuba on a Tuesday at three in the afternoon and that the next day, Wednesday, she already had her return flight. “I tried to avoid that trip to Cuba as much as I could, but I ultimately had to go,” she recounted.
During her brief stay, she faced multiple challenges. She mentioned that her family bought ten bottles of water for 6,000 Cuban pesos, an amount she compared to her mother’s pension, which is 1,500 CUP. “What I can guarantee you is that it’s a lot, because... just imagine, six waters... no, ten waters, excuse me, 6,000 pesos and 1,500 was her salary.”
Elizabeth was dismayed by the precarious situation she observed. “You see with your own eyes that people are not living; every day, they are just surviving and surviving,” she expressed. She added that returning to Cuba “is unbearable, it’s terrible.”
One of the most critical moments was the night without electricity, in the midst of intense heat. "My mom is quite elderly, she’s 68 years old, and she started feeling unwell. She was telling me, 'I feel like throwing up'... I was also feeling that way, with nausea, palpitations, and everything."
He also reported an attempt to steal the electric meter from his home, and how the next day his neighbor fell victim to a robbery during the blackout. “She heard the noise, she felt someone entering her house, but because there was no power, her phone was out of battery and she couldn't call the police because there was no electricity.”
According to the lady's own impression, the robbery was likely due to a possible confusion on the part of the thieves: “I am completely sure that they were mistaken, thinking that you who arrived from the United States… let's take advantage of the blackout and break in and steal.”
Elizabeth insisted on her plea not to travel to the island: “Don’t travel to Cuba, Cuban, don’t travel to Cuba; you will come back feeling depressed, sad, and unwell. I don’t even have the words to express how you will return from that trip.”
The video received multiple comments, some in support and others critical. Users like @damiselavenegas42 defended her: “Just like many of us who left Cuba more than 10 years ago and haven’t returned, we want to hear and know the reality of life in Cuba.”
Others, like @glenia.1991, downplayed the drama: “I went to Cuba two and a half years after leaving, and for me, nothing changed, only the prices… I didn’t even feel it.” Several comments highlighted that, despite the hardships, what is important for them is reuniting with their loved ones. “For being with my daughter, I can endure heat, hunger, and anything,” wrote another user.
Elizabeth's testimony adds to that of Cuban Thaimi Sánchez (@thaimisanchez), also residing in the U.S., who recently posted a similar video following her trip to the island. "Cuba is a disaster. There's no life there," she said at the time. Sánchez described the blackouts as "a form of torture" and denounced the physical and emotional abandonment of the population.
Both videos have fueled an increasingly recurring debate among Cubans abroad: Is it worth returning to a Cuba steeped in decline? While some prioritize family reunions, others confront the harsh reality of a country that pains them, and from which they return emotionally devastated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba for Cubans Abroad
Why does Elizabeth advise against traveling to Cuba?
Elizabeth advises against traveling to Cuba due to the difficult conditions she faced during her brief visit, such as water shortages, high prices for basic goods, and lack of electricity. She also recounts attempts of robbery and the insecurity she experienced, which left her with a negative impression of the situation on the island.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect daily life?
The economic crisis in Cuba is reflected in the scarcity of basic products, the high cost of living, and insufficient wages that prevent Cubans from meeting their daily needs. This has led to an increase in crime and a general sense of hopelessness among the population, particularly affecting the elderly and youth.
What impact do power outages have on the quality of life in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba severely impact the quality of life by hindering daily activities such as cooking, storing food, and maintaining an adequate temperature in homes. Extended power outages also create security issues and affect people's emotional well-being.
How do Cubans abroad feel about the situation in Cuba?
Many Cubans abroad experience a mix of concern and frustration when observing the situation in Cuba. While they feel a strong emotional connection to their country and family, the current reality causes significant emotional strain, leading to debates about whether to return or continue providing support from afar.
What alternatives do Cubans have to face the difficulties on the island?
Cubans resort to various strategies to cope with daily difficulties, such as using charcoal for cooking, purchasing products on the black market, and receiving assistance from family members abroad. However, these solutions are temporary and do not address the underlying causes of the crisis.
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