A heartfelt video shared on TikTok captures the impact and emotions experienced by Cubans when they return to the island after leaving. Titled "Things No One Tells You About Returning to Cuba," the poignant video was uploaded by user Naty Macareno and reflects the complex emotions of coming back to the island after a long absence.
Accompanied by the emotive melody "Experience (Piano e Violin)" by Pietro Scichilone, the video features a series of phrases that describe the pain and heartbreak many Cuban emigrants feel upon returning to their homeland. "What you cherished so fondly in your mind no longer exists," reads the opening statement, encapsulating the disillusionment of finding a country and reality vastly different from the idealized memories.
The sense of not belonging is expressed with the phrase "you will have a horrible feeling that you are neither from here nor there," highlighting the feeling of alienation that strikes many upon their return. The confrontation with the senses is also evident when it mentions that "the smells and flavors you once normalized and liked will shock you," illustrating how even familiar sensory experiences can become strange and unsettling.
The internal conflict deepens with "your heart will feel just as or even more divided," reflecting the emotional struggle between the love for the native country and the life built abroad. The sharper void felt upon returning, "the tightening in your chest," speaks to the complex emotions many Cubans face when coming back to their homeland, marked by a mix of nostalgia, loss, and love.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Returning to Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that delve deeper into the emotional experiences of Cubans returning to their homeland, aiming to provide further insight into this complex issue.
Why do many Cuban emigrants feel a sense of disillusionment upon returning?
Many Cuban emigrants experience disillusionment because the country they remember often does not match the current reality. The changes in the social, economic, and political landscapes can be stark and jarring compared to their idealized memories.
What causes the feeling of not belonging for returning Cubans?
The feeling of not belonging stems from the cultural and lifestyle differences that develop while living abroad. Returning Cubans may find themselves caught between two worlds, feeling out of place both in their homeland and their adopted country.
How do sensory experiences contribute to the emotional turmoil of returning?
Sensory experiences such as familiar smells and tastes can become unsettling upon return because they are tied to memories that no longer align with the current reality. These discrepancies can amplify feelings of estrangement and discomfort.
What is the significance of the divided heart feeling among returning Cubans?
The divided heart feeling signifies the deep emotional conflict between the love for their native country and the new life they have built abroad. This struggle often leaves them feeling torn and unable to fully belong to either place.