The Cuban content creator known on TikTok as @lachabe97 has sparked a flood of reactions after posting a video in which she shares some of the things that have caught her attention since moving to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
"I am a Cuban living in the Canary Islands, I have been here for a month, and this is going to be part one of my video reacting to strange things here that you obviously don't see in my country," she said in the introduction of the video, which has garnered thousands of views, over a thousand "likes," and hundreds of comments.
Among the situations that surprised him, he mentioned urban cleaning at night (“trucks pass by cleaning the streets, even underneath the cars”), the presence of buttons at traffic lights to facilitate pedestrian crossings, the abundance and accessibility of prepared foods, the widespread use of public transportation, and the practice of closing shops at noon for the so-called “siesta.”
"You don't need a car. There’s a bus every two minutes," she remarked in amazement. She also mentioned eating habits: "Seeing so much food, so many things... you just go and they give you the food already made, so you don't have to do anything."
One of the most controversial points was their statement about tipping: "You don't leave a tip here; if they owe you a cent in change, you have to take it, because if you say 'don't take it', they won't take it."
The young woman clarified that this is her first time leaving her country and that these observations reflect her initial impressions as a newcomer.
“Where do you live?”: Critiques, nuances, and support
The video sparked a wave of responses, many of which questioned the generalizations made by the Cuban woman. Some comments pointed out that "the tipping situation is not true," that "businesses don't close at twelve," or that "tips are indeed left in restaurants and are accepted gladly."
Several messages criticized him for having spoken up after such a short time in the country: “You should have waited until you had been here longer to speak,” “wait until you’ve been here a year and you’ll see how the story changes,” or “first learn and then give your opinion.”
Other users denied that in the Canary Islands, people close up for a siesta. "No one goes to sleep at twelve," "businesses have split shifts, they close for lunch and open later," or "that depends on the place, but most have continuous hours."
Regarding tips, many commented that "they are not accepted in supermarkets, but they are in hospitality," "it's not mandatory, but it is customary," and "of course, you leave a tip, especially if the service is good."
There were also understanding and welcoming messages: “It’s normal to be curious,” “you will gradually understand more things,” “you’re still very new here,” or “I felt the same way at the beginning.” Many encouraged her to continue sharing her experience: “Explain it better in part two,” “I loved the video,” or “it’s a valid perspective from your experience.”
The creator, for her part, responded to many of these reactions by clarifying that "she has only been here for a month," that "in the places she has visited, they do not accept tips," and that "she loves the Canary Islands."
A growing trend: stories of cultural clash
This type of testimony has become common on social media. Previous cases, such as a Cuban woman who expressed her astonishment at the respect for traffic lights, or a young man who was shocked by the food, the urban silence, and road safety education, have sparked intense debates about development, coexistence, and migration expectations.
Phrases like “here a dog can eat better than a Cuban”, “to breathe differently”, or “not having to stand in lines is a luxury” are repeated in the stories of those who have left Cuba and discover everyday realities that were once foreign to them.
These narratives stand in stark contrast to the precariousness, shortages, and lack of services on the island, and they reflect an emotional and cultural experience shared by thousands of emigrated Cubans, many of whom find in social networks a way to express themselves, contrast realities, and process their new lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cubans in Spain
Why was the Cuban content creator surprised by the tips in Spain?
The Cuban mentioned that in the places she has visited, tipping is not accepted, which sparked controversy as other users pointed out that in the hospitality sector, it is common to leave a tip, although it is not obligatory. These kinds of cultural differences can surprise those who have just arrived from Cuba, where customs may be different.
What aspects of life in the Canaries surprised the newly arrived Cuban?
Among the things that surprised the Cuban were the nighttime urban cleanliness, the buttons at crosswalks for pedestrians, and the abundance of prepared foods. She was also struck by the widespread use of public transportation, which allows people to get around without needing a car, and the practice of closing shops at noon for siesta.
How did users react to the Cuban's video about her experience in Spain?
The video received a wave of varied responses. Some users criticized the Cuban's generalizations, pointing out that not all her observations are true for all of Spain. Others offered support and understanding, highlighting that it is normal to be surprised when arriving in a new country. The diversity of reactions reflects the complexities of cultural shock when emigrating.
What is the relationship between the experiences of emigrated Cubans and the conditions in Cuba?
The experiences of emigrated Cubans highlight the contrast with the precariousness in Cuba. The accounts of resource abundance, urban organization, and traffic education in other countries reveal the deficiencies on the island, where shortages and lack of basic services are common. This creates an emotional and cultural perspective shared by many emigrants.
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