A young Cuban has garnered the empathy of thousands of users on TikTok after sharing the start of the bathroom renovation in her home, having been unable to do so for years due to a lack of resources.
"Day 1. Fixing the bathroom in the house. We started with the plumbing," wrote the user @mell_mariposa, who lives in Cuba with her boyfriend Pedro, with whom she has been in a relationship for over three years.
In the video, it shows the beginning of the renovation, amidst corroded pipes, old toilets, and disassembled parts. “Everything was super old, it was from before their great-grandparents,” he explained.
According to the account, they had to remove all the items from the bathroom and first move them to the patio and then to a nearby container. "Thank God it was close, because the debris was very heavy. We finished at night," he recounted.
The video, recorded spontaneously, reflects the reality of thousands of Cuban families facing shortages of materials, tools, and skilled labor to make basic improvements to their homes. The young woman mentioned that, in the next phase, they will have a bricklayer to continue the work.
"This is the sad reality for Cubans; everything is difficult," the young woman replied to a follower who, from the United States, commented on how easy it is to build there compared to Cuba.
The post sparked a wave of support and solidarity messages. "The end result will be beautiful, but the construction process is the hardest part," wrote one user. Others, mixing jokes and compliments, highlighted the perseverance of the young couple.
Amidst adversity, stories like this reflect the daily effort of many Cubans to improve their quality of life, even if it's little by little and with great sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reality of Repairs and Daily Life in Cuba
Why is it so complicated to implement reforms in Cuba?
Reforms in Cuba are complicated due to the shortage of materials, tools, and skilled labor. Economic restrictions and shortages in the country make obtaining basic materials for construction a challenge. Moreover, access to modern tools and qualified professionals is also limited, further delaying any attempts to improve Cuban housing.
How does the current economic situation in Cuba affect families?
The current economic situation in Cuba impacts families in essential aspects of their daily lives, such as access to food, water, and electricity. The ongoing economic crises have led to shortages of basic goods and essential services, forcing families to seek alternative solutions to meet their daily needs, such as using charcoal stoves due to the lack of gas or electricity.
What challenges do Cubans face who wish to improve their housing?
Cubans who wish to improve their homes face challenges such as a lack of financial and material resources. The country's economic limitations cause many Cubans to rely on remittances from abroad or assistance from family members to obtain the necessary materials. Furthermore, bureaucracy and government restrictions also complicate the processes of purchasing and renovating properties on the island.
How do some Cubans abroad manage to improve the living conditions of their relatives in Cuba?
Cubans abroad help improve the living conditions of their relatives in Cuba by sending remittances and materials for the construction or remodeling of homes. Many families rely on these remittances to purchase products and tools that are not available on the island. Additionally, Cubans living in other countries often buy and send essential items that make it possible to enhance the homes of their relatives in Cuba.
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