With the kind of boldness that only a Cuban possesses, young actor Androx Rodríguez decided to showcase on social media what he called “how a third-world person does laundry”, starring in a home survival tutorial featuring a Soviet relic: the legendary Russian washing machine Aurika.
I'm going to show you how a person from a third-world country does laundry. This is not my house; I don't have a washing machine, I usually wash at a laundromat, but the dryer is broken, so I come to a friend's house to do laundry,” explained @mal_androx in a video on Instagram, with a half-smile and his torso bare, while presenting his makeshift "laundry center."
Next to her, shining with the rusty glamour of the 80s, an Aurika that in her words: “Surely you have one, but in worse condition than this, because Cubans preserve everything.”
But that wasn't all: the washing session also included rinsing the clothes in two buckets of water, pure manual effort. And for drying, another washing machine... that only works for spinning. The most normal thing in the world, anyone on the island would say.
With humor and Creole sarcasm, the young man shared "Cuban-level" washing tips, the kind that can only be learned by surviving the everyday life in a Cuba where creativity is law.
The grand finale? A national classic: blackout. Just when it seemed like he was going to finish his alternative laundry day, the power went out. The video cut off with a chilling phrase: “Energy is neither created nor destroyed, we take it away. Electric Company”, followed by the Unión Eléctrica logo in meme mode.
Because in Cuba, even doing the laundry can turn into a spectacle.
Frequently asked questions about everyday life in Cuba and the challenges of daily living
How do Cubans manage to wash clothes amid power outages?
Cubans often resort to creative methods for doing laundry, using old Soviet washing machines like the Aurika, along with manual techniques such as rinsing in buckets of water and using rechargeable fans for drying. The lack of constant electricity forces many to improvise and adapt to challenging conditions.
Why do Cubans rely so much on old Soviet washing machines?
Due to the scarcity of modern appliances and lack of access to new technologies, many Cubans rely on old Soviet washing machines that have been maintained and repaired for decades. These machines are valued for their durability and ability to operate under adverse conditions, such as frequent power outages.
How does the lack of electricity affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of electricity significantly impacts daily life in Cuba, complicating basic tasks such as washing clothes, cooking, and keeping food refrigerated. Constant blackouts force families to find alternative solutions, such as using generators, rechargeable fans, and cooking with firewood.
What creative solutions have Cubans found to address the shortage of water and electricity?
Cuban people have shown remarkable creativity in facing resource shortages, using innovative methods such as connecting washing machines to rivers to access water or employing makeshift hoses. They also resort to charcoal stoves and rechargeable fans, adapting their daily routines to the limitations of basic services.
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