The Chilean content creator Claux.7 decided to spend eight days in Havana to personally experience the daily life of an ordinary Cuban, and the outcome left a lasting impression on him for the rest of his life.
In a series of videos on his YouTube channel, the young man describes his experience as "a journey to the past" and asserts that Cuba is "one of the countries where it is most difficult to live in this world".
"Cuba is truly a parallel world to the rest of the planet. It is synonymous with time travel," he begins saying in his video, while showing old cars, crumbling buildings, streets of Havana filled with trash, dead rats, and Cubans who hide their faces to speak out of fear of reprisals from State Security.
At the beginning of his journey, the Chilean YouTuber was drawn to the picturesque appearance of the Cuban capital, but soon the harshness of daily life hit him squarely.
"The power went out. The outages lasted five hours, twice a day, every day," he reported. He also mentioned that on several occasions he saw long lines at businesses waiting for basic products, and narrated how the power cuts left the city completely in the dark and without internet connection.
Claux.7 highlighted the absence of commercial signage in the streets, replaced by political propaganda, and the pervasive presence of monuments dedicated to figures of the regime.
"In many houses, water runs from the balconies, either from laundry or from pipes broken due to age," he added, while pointing out buildings supported by improvised beams to prevent collapses.
One of the tensest scenes occurred when a neighbor warned him that he could die while filming near a dilapidated house. “Many houses are falling apart,” the YouTuber emphasized.
"Cuba is a country completely different from any you might visit in the world. Its people have little, but they give their all. It's hard to explain; you would only understand it if you visit Cuba at some point," he expressed with visible emotion.
Claux.7 did not hide his political stance during this trip to Cuba. “There is no doubt in my mind that it is a dictatorship.”
El chileno reconoció que este ha sido one of the most remarkable trips of his life y contó a sus fans que por primera vez se sentía en la obligación de hacer un video adicional para explicar el contexto político del país, debido a lo que vivió y presenció durante su estadía.
The complete series of his experience in Cuba is available on his YouTube channel, where he aims to document realities from various countries around the world.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of YouTubers in Cuba and the reality of the country
Why does the Chilean YouTuber Claux.7 describe Cuba as a "trip to the past"?
Claux.7 describes Cuba as a "trip to the past" due to the preservation of vintage cars, crumbling buildings, and the lack of modernization in everyday aspects such as electricity and internet supply. Additionally, he mentions the omnipresence of political propaganda and the absence of commercial signs, which reinforces the feeling of being in a different and backward reality compared to other countries.
What are the main difficulties the YouTuber faced during their stay in Cuba?
The YouTuber faced frequent and prolonged blackouts, a lack of basic goods, and infrastructure problems during his stay in Cuba. Power outages were common and lengthy, and the scarcity of food and essential items was evident in the long lines to obtain them. Additionally, he observed the deterioration of homes and the fear among Cubans to express themselves freely due to state repression.
How do international YouTubers perceive the situation in Cuba compared to other countries?
International YouTubers perceive Cuba as a country trapped in time and facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. They compare the Cuban reality to a "city stuck in time," where daily life is extremely difficult due to lack of resources, collapsed infrastructure, and political restrictions. They highlight the resilience of the Cuban people, who, despite the adversities, maintain a warm and generous attitude.
What do YouTubers think about the Cuban government's responsibility for the country's situation?
YouTubers criticize the Cuban government for its lack of responsibility and management regarding the crisis the country is experiencing. They point out that the regime blames the U.S. embargo for the problems, but emphasize that negligence, centralization, and internal corruption are also determining factors in Cuba's economic and social decline. Repression and the lack of freedom of expression are cited as control methods that perpetuate the situation.
How does the situation in Cuba affect Cubans who have emigrated and return for a visit?
Cuban emigrants returning for a visit often feel impacted by the physical and emotional deterioration they perceive on the island. Despite being accustomed to a different life abroad, returning to Cuba can be painful due to the lack of basic services, repression, and the overall sense of stagnation. Many describe the experience as a form of emotional "torture," exacerbated by the helplessness of witnessing how the situation worsens over the years.
Filed under:
