A user identified as @melkiorgabo went viral on TikTok after sharing a carousel of photos detailing her experience during a trip to Cuba, stating that she “would not return” after what she went through. In the images, the young woman documents what surprised her most during her visit to Havana and Varadero, with phrases that quickly sparked debate among thousands of users.
“Without light, without coffee, and without food”, he wrote about one of the photos. In others, phrases like “Trash in Havana, something normal” and “The harassment in Havana is among the worst I experienced, with five or six people on the block offering you things” can be read. He also showed the food he received in hotels, accompanied by texts such as “Not even the hotel staff knew what this was,” “The dessert with grated cheese and horrible flavor,” and “A $15 soup that nobody knew if it was fish or sweet potato.”
In the comments, the traveler made it clear that the trip did not meet her expectations. “It’s not worth it, honestly. It’s sad to see how everything is”, she wrote in response to one of the users. Her post, which has already surpassed 450,000 reactions and more than 9 million views, sparked an intense discussion among those who supported her account and those who came to defend the image of the country.
"Thank you for showing the reality we live in," commented a Cuban, while others insisted that the situation is due to the U.S. embargo. "That's because of the American blockade," replied one user, to which others responded, "Stop repeating that about the blockade; that's pure communism."
The author clarified that she did not intend to offend anyone and that her goal was simply to share her experience: "Nothing, it's just a TikTok sharing my experience," she replied to a comment. She also detailed that she stayed at the Meliá Internacional Varadero hotel and visited Havana during her time on the island.
"I wanted to go anyway. I'm documenting my trip so that people stop talking about Cuba as a paradise. Its people are suffering terribly," said the young woman in response to a comment.
Despite the criticism and mixed reactions, the video continues to gather views and responses. Among the most common opinions, many agreed that the testimony reflects what both tourists and locals experience. “Cuba is beautiful, but its people deserve to live better,” wrote one of the most noted users, summarizing the tone of the ongoing debate surrounding the post.
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