The Spanish content creator Topeados (@topeadosdeviaje) shared a new video about his experience in Cuba, where he describes the everyday conditions faced on the island and what he experienced during his stay in the town of Viñales, in the province of Pinar del Río.
"In fact, I told a Cuban about it and he laughed, and I believe that a Cuban's life is life in hard mode," he expressed while recounting the difficulties he faced with power outages for three consecutive days in the area.
"With the heat and the power outages... I can tell you that in the three days I've been in Viñales, I've had electricity, in total, for about 8 or 9 hours. There was one day when, for example, it came early in the morning, so practically... it was as if it hadn't come at all, I didn't even notice. But, my friend, it's tough, it's tough," commented the youtuber, visibly affected by the reality.
The video is part of a series of posts that @topeadosdeviaje (José María Pastor) has shared on his social media since his arrival on the island. In one of his early installments, he stated that what had impacted him the most was "the hunger," after touring neighborhoods in Havana and talking to people who were asking for rice, milk, medications, or bread.
In another testimony recorded in the streets, a Cuban confessed through tears: “I’m in a prison, where am I going to go out?”, a phrase that the creator accompanied with the reflection that “that’s why many prefer to remain silent, not because they have nothing to say, but because they are afraid.”
During a visit to a shopping center in Havana, he recounted seeing shelves filled with products that are inaccessible to the average Cuban, as "prices are in dollars and the average salary is 12 a month."
He also documented the difficulty of traveling between provinces, when he tried to travel from Havana to Viñales without finding available buses or clear schedules, and ended up paying for a collective taxi, an option he deemed unfeasible for most Cubans.
In another report, he accompanied a homeless man in search of food through various establishments in the capital, but without success. The scene ended with the man rummaging through a trash can. “At that moment, I realized that in Cuba, even if you have money, it doesn't mean you're going to be able to eat,” he said.
The video series has also depicted scenes of hunger and despair among children, the elderly, and workers, such as a teacher who shared that she earned 3,000 pesos a month. "They are hungry. This is the voice of a people who survive amidst blackouts and hope," stated the youtuber.
Her gaze, focused on everyday life and distant from the tourist postcard, has generated a wide response on social media. "I didn't come to judge; I came to confront a painful reality," she wrote in one of her most shared posts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reality in Cuba according to the YouTuber Topeados de Viaje
How does the YouTuber Topeados de viaje describe life in Cuba?
The Spanish YouTuber Topeados de viaje describes life in Cuba as "life in hard mode," based on his personal experience during his visit to the island. He faced power outages, food shortages, and an economy that makes basic products inaccessible for the average Cuban. His account, distant from conventional tourism, highlights the desperation and daily hardships in Cuba.
What are the main challenges faced by Topeados during their trip in Cuba?
During their stay in Cuba, Topeados de viaje faced several difficulties, such as frequent blackouts, lack of cold water, and extreme heat. Additionally, they noticed that many basic products are inaccessible to Cubans due to prices in dollars and very low salaries. They also experienced transportation issues, encountering a collapsed system that makes it difficult to travel between provinces.
What impact have the travel videos by Topeados about Cuba had on social media?
The travel videos by Topeados about the Cuban reality have generated a strong response on social media, with comments expressing gratitude for highlighting the situation and calls for freedom. Their posts have resonated with Cubans both inside and outside the island, who see in them a reflection of their daily lives. They have also raised warnings about possible restrictions on content creators in Cuba.
What impactful testimonies did Topeados de viaje gather in their videos about Cuba?
Topeados de viaje documented heartbreaking testimonies during their visit to Cuba. A Cuban confided to them in tears that he felt like he was in a "prison," while others asked for food like rice and milk instead of money. They also accompanied a homeless man in search of food, who ended up rummaging through a trash container. These testimonies reflect the hopelessness and precariousness that many Cubans face.
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