A Cuban resident in the United States shared on TikTok her first visit to a shopping mall in the country, after living for two years in a rural area where, she says, the only thing nearby is a Walmart.
In the video posted on the account @el.hogar.de.paulette, the young woman confessed, “Yes, my love, I have been in this country for two years and I had never been to a mall.”
His daily routine takes place in the countryside, where he claims that the only place to socialize or shop is the local Walmart. "There, you run into everyone from your neighbor to your child's teacher. There's nothing else to do," he explained with laughter.
Determined to explore something different, the Cuban woman decided to embark on a long journey of 469 miles to the nearest shopping mall with her husband and son.
Once there, he explored several stores, marveling at the variety of products and the city's pace, but at the end of the day, he reached an unexpected conclusion.
"Civilization is very nice, but with traffic that, honestly, I will think twice before going back out from the countryside," he said sincerely.
The Cuban woman acknowledged that, despite the initial excitement, she was happier walking through the familiar aisles of Walmart than dealing with the urban hustle.
Her experience resonated with many users of the platform, especially with other migrants living in rural areas of the United States. The video quickly went viral due to its authenticity and the contrast between urban life and the tranquility of the countryside.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans in shopping malls and supermarkets abroad
What was the first experience of a Cuban woman in a mall in the U.S. like?
A Cuban resident in the U.S. visited a shopping mall for the first time after living for two years in a rural area. She shared her experience on TikTok, expressing amazement at the variety of products and the urban pace, although she concluded that she prefers the tranquility of the countryside where she lives near a Walmart.
What contrasts are highlighted between life in Cuba and in the U.S. according to migrants?
Cuban migrants highlight the contrast between scarcity in Cuba and abundance in the U.S. The opportunity to choose from a wide variety of products in supermarkets and stores is a shocking experience for those coming from an environment with limited consumer options. This difference is evident in the videos shared by Cubans, where excitement and astonishment are displayed at the range of products available abroad.
Why are the first visits to supermarkets in the U.S. so emotional for Cubans?
The first visits to supermarkets in the U.S. are emotional for Cubans due to the contrast with the scarcity experienced on the island. The abundance of products and the freedom of choice evoke a blend of joy and nostalgia, especially when recalling the difficulties faced in Cuba. This experience is often shared on social media, generating empathy among other migrants.
What impact do these experiences have on social media?
These experiences quickly go viral on social media, sparking debates and empathy. Videos and testimonies of Cubans experiencing supermarkets or shopping centers abroad for the first time become trending topics, highlighting the differences between life in Cuba and in other countries. Additionally, they encourage reflection on the limitations on the island and the emotional impact of emigration.
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