The Cuban user @lauralg87890 recently returned from Cuba and shared a video on social media that has resonated deeply and brought tears to many. In the clip, her family is seen enjoying themselves in a house with a pool, smiles here, hugs there, but what struck the hardest were her words: “Cuba is not a vacation, it’s the need to see your loved ones and give them a hug”. And she certainly made that clear.
In her reflection, Laura explained that it is not about luxury, nor about showing off with drinks in hand or fancy dishes. It is about sharing, about giving the family a little less need, even if it's just for a few hours or a week. Because as she rightly said: “No matter how much you bring, they will always need more.” But she also clarified that what is most needed is what is most appreciated: affection, time, simply being there.
She recounted that she spent one week with her family and another with her husband's, and they experienced it all intensely. And what did she bring back? It wasn't souvenirs, but a satisfied heart. "I returned pleased with myself because I know I did and gave more than I could, and I gave it all with my heart," she asserted. And that, according to her, is evident, even though she hadn't even set out to achieve it.
The reactions, of course, were immediate. The comments were a festival of love, empathy, and virtual handkerchiefs. "There’s something we don’t have here, and it’s called LOVE," wrote a follower. "A trip to Cuba is like baring your soul to recharge it to 100%," commented another user. And so, thousands of messages showed that, although everyone experiences their emigration differently, there are feelings that are shared equally.
Laura also took the opportunity to send a cheeky message to the critics: “We’re not going to act like we’re the best, because that’s not where we come from. The most beautiful thing in the world is to remember where you came from.” And as she herself said, it doesn’t matter if the rice is cooked in a new pot or in an old black cauldron. What’s important is to laugh with your loved ones, feel that embrace, and leave judgment at customs.
In summary, their trip was “fantastic,” not for the material aspects, but for the essentials. And that's how their children experienced it as well, as they shared with the family as if they had never been apart. Because that's what Cuba has: even though there is a lot lacking, when you are with family, it seems like nothing is missing.
Frequently asked questions about the return of Cuban emigrants and their experiences
Why are the trips of Cuban emigrants to Cuba not considered vacations?
For Cuban emigrants, returning to Cuba is not a vacation trip; it is an opportunity to reunite with family and experience the love and connection they have missed during their time abroad. This type of journey often carries a significant emotional weight, as emigrants seek to provide their relatives with moments of happiness and relief amid the challenges faced on the island.
What kind of criticism do Cubans face when they return to their country?
Cubans returning to the island often face criticism related to material expectations and appearances, such as the type of clothing they wear or the number of gifts they bring for their relatives. These criticisms often overlook the true essence of their visit, which is the emotional reunion and the strengthening of family ties. Many times, these comments stem from a lack of understanding of the economic and emotional realities that emigrants face.
What is the emotional impact of returning to Cuba for emigrants?
The emotional impact is profound, as these reunions allow Cuban émigrés to reconnect with their roots and receive the familial love they have longed for. Despite the criticisms or material difficulties, what truly matters is the time spent with loved ones and the opportunity to provide them with emotional and physical support, even if only for a short period.
How are the material assistance sent by emigrants to their families in Cuba perceived?
Material aid is often seen as a necessary but insufficient gesture due to the ongoing needs in Cuba. Emigrants may feel pressured to bring more than they can, sometimes facing a lack of gratitude that can be discouraging. However, many continue to bring what they can, driven by the desire to alleviate, even if just momentarily, the hardships of their loved ones on the island.
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