A Cuban father who has just arrived in Switzerland stars in an emotional video shared by his son, where he is seen holding a large piece of red meat with visible astonishment. “Look at this, Lima! Look at how the Taki Taki is here!” he exclaims amidst laughter and gestures of disbelief, while his son—who is filming—jokes: “If you get caught with this in Cuba, you'll get 20 years”.
The scene was posted by the son @elnegrito.cubano0 as part of a series of moments showcasing the father's early experiences in Switzerland.
An arrival full of emotion
Days earlier, the young man had shared another video showing the arrival of his parents at the airport. The family reunion was filled with hugs, emotion, and background music featuring the song “Cómo te pago” by Lenier. “The only truth in this world,” is overlaid on the clip, highlighting the importance of family ties above all else.
The surprise of discovering the everyday
In another moment captured by the young man, the father appears amazed as he sees how a dishwasher works. "We are lost in Cuba," the man declares after learning about the process, highlighting the significant technological gap that separates the two realities.
The videos have sparked reactions from those who celebrate both the reunion and the new experiences: “What a joy to see your father with you enjoying things that are unthinkable over there.” Others relate: “My father-in-law was the same when he arrived,” or simply share emojis of laughter, tenderness, or nostalgia.
An experience shared by many
This type of content has multiplied on social media, where Cuban emigrants showcase to their relatives the everyday experiences that are exceptional in Cuba: from visiting well-stocked supermarkets to discovering home technologies.
In Uruguay, a young man displayed the variety of meat in a local butcher shop. Recently, a Cuban doctor in Chile showcased shelves full of bread while recalling that in Cuba, people are still rationed one piece per person. In the United States, similar scenes occur, such as an elderly man expressing his amazement while passing through a car wash for the first time.
Beyond the humor, these videos convey an intimate truth: reuniting with family and sharing what was once only a dream. Every gesture of surprise, every phrase spoken with innocence or playfulness, also serves to highlight what life in Cuba could not provide.
A piece of meat, an appliance, a hug: everything becomes a symbol. In that "Taki Taki" that so astonishes, there is also the pain of separation, the relief of reunion, and the evidence of life with dignity beyond the island.
Frequently asked questions about the emigration of Cubans and their experiences abroad
How do Cubans react when they see food and products abroad for the first time?
Cubans react with astonishment and excitement upon witnessing the abundance of food and products in foreign supermarkets. This is due to the scarcity and rationing they face in Cuba, which makes everyday experiences in other countries striking for them.
Why do videos of Cubans experiencing life abroad go viral?
These videos go viral because they highlight the contrast between life in Cuba and in other countries. They reflect the excitement and amazement of Cubans experiencing things that are routine in other places for the first time, generating empathy and curiosity among internet users.
How does migration impact Cuban families?
Migration has a profound emotional impact on Cuban families, as it causes long separations due to travel restrictions and high costs. Reunions are emotional and greatly valued, but they also reflect the sadness of enforced separations.
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