“How are you going to go to Cuba now? This is not the time”. That's what many told Migdi Pérez (@travelwithmig) before she traveled, but she was certain: when the heart calls, no schedule matters. She shared this in a TikTok video that has been filled with messages of affection after showing her return to Cuba after 12 years away.
In the clip, Migdi recounts his return to his hometown and, above all, the embrace that was waiting for him: that of his mother. He also strolls through the streets where he grew up, reminisces about the jetties where he used to fish at night, enjoys the "most beautiful sunset in the world," and relives the small but significant pleasures: eating fish, dancing like before, laughing until he cries, and reconnecting with friends and family.
"When you are among your own, nothing is lacking," she says in the video, making it clear that returning home goes beyond circumstances or how much the place has changed. For her, coming back was not about denying reality, but about reconnecting with what is essential.
As often happens on social media, the video stirred emotions... and also sparked debate. Some users questioned the time that had passed without traveling to Cuba, to which Migdi responded with calm and sincerity. “Respecting everyone's reality is fundamental in all languages,” he wrote in one of the most praised responses. In another, he added: “It’s wrong to draw conclusions without knowing the background of everything.”
To those who insisted on criticizing the 12 years of absence, Migdi was even clearer. She explained that she did not understand why her personal decision affected others and clarified that she sees her mother every year, who even lived with her in Miami until recently. “I don't understand why it affects you then, if it’s my life”, she responded, setting boundaries without engaging in confrontations.
Other users came to their defense, reminding that not everyone can travel whenever they want, and that there are economic, family, and legal reasons that often prevent it. Migdi echoed these messages and responded with empathy, expressing a wish that those who dream of returning can do so soon. The exchange concluded with a phrase that summarized the entire debate: “One cannot always go when they want.”
Far from being controversial, the video ultimately became a shared reflection for many Cubans: the distance, the tough decisions, and the constant desire to return. Because, as Migdi made clear, it may not be “the perfect moment,” but when you return home, the heart always comes first.
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