In a video posted a few weeks ago on Instagram, the Cuban known as @iaamfrankyy shares how she has experienced the impact of the cultural shift after emigrating to Switzerland, a country where, as she says with laughter and disbelief, “even my thoughts tell me shhh, be quiet”.
Accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Cuban streets, the music that flows through windows, and the spontaneous conversations between neighbors and strangers, this young woman confesses that the first thing she noticed upon arriving in Switzerland was the silence. “Where is the noise, the neighbor shouting from the balcony? Nothing,” she recalls with nostalgia.
Swiss punctuality also left her in shock. “If the bus says it arrives at 7:43, it arrives at 7:43. And if you arrive one minute late, it leaves you. Literally. In Cuba, it could arrive five minutes late… or five hours late… or who knows if the next day.”
But beyond transportation, what she finds hardest to understand is the coldness in human relationships. On the island, talking to strangers on the bus is almost a national therapy. “In Cuba, you meet someone and you tell them your whole life. Here, people are in their own world, they don’t talk to you, they don’t look at you, they don’t greet you,” she laments.
And then there's the cold: “Switzerland is warm... if it's four months a year, that's a lot. The rest of the time you freeze. My hands crack from the cold here”.
In another video shared on Instagram, she recounts how while looking for a suitcase for her daughter in an outlet store, she ended up finding a set of mugs with the Cuban flag. "I obviously took it with me. It felt like a little piece of Cuba waiting for me there."
That small gesture, a cup with the tricolor flag, connected her, if only for a moment, to her homeland, to her people, and to that warmth that is sometimes missed more than one admits.
The story of @iaamfrankyy reflects a reality shared by many Cubans who have left the island: the sense of uprooting, the learning of new customs, and how, even from afar, we seek out and celebrate those symbols that remind us of who we are.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cuban Emigration to Switzerland
What are the main cultural shocks that Cubans face when emigrating to Switzerland?
Cubans emigrating to Switzerland experience various cultural shocks. One of the most notable is the predominant silence in Swiss streets, in contrast with the characteristic hustle and bustle of Cuban cities. Another significant shock is the Swiss punctuality, which surprises many Cubans who are used to the flexible timing on the island. Additionally, the coldness in interpersonal relationships and the cold climate present further challenges for newcomers.
How does Swiss punctuality affect Cubans who emigrate?
The Swiss punctuality is a cultural aspect that significantly impacts Cubans who emigrate. In Switzerland, schedules are adhered to with precision, which contrasts with the common flexibility in Cuba. This means that if a bus is scheduled to arrive at a specific time, it will do so without delay, which can be a drastic change for Cubans who must adapt to this new way of organizing time.
How do Cubans feel about interpersonal relationships in Switzerland?
Cubans in Switzerland often feel that interpersonal relationships are cold and distant. In Cuba, it is common to interact spontaneously with strangers, even on public transport, whereas in Switzerland, people tend to be more reserved and less likely to engage in conversations with unfamiliar faces. This cultural difference can lead Cubans to feel isolated or nostalgic for the warmth of human interactions in their home country.
How do Cubans cope with the cold weather in Switzerland?
The cold climate in Switzerland is a significant challenge for Cubans, who are used to a tropical climate. Many describe how the extreme cold impacts their daily lives, such as having cracked hands due to the low temperatures. However, some manage to adapt over time, using appropriate clothing and finding ways to enjoy the few weeks of warm weather that the country offers each year.
Filed under:
