Through a TikTok video, a Cuban woman living in the United States listed three things she didn't understand about Cubans living abroad when she was still on the island. The list concluded with the reflection that for a person in Cuba, it is challenging to grasp what life is like outside the country.
"I found it curious that people complained so much when gas prices went up by a few cents, something I considered insignificant. Upon arriving, I realized that for many people, this affected their ability to go to work every day. When I arrived, everything made sense," said TikTok user @amyyyyy_22, who resides in Miami.
The second thing she didn't understand when she still lived on the island was why people read the labels on milk. "Why do they read the labels? Milk is milk. In Cuba, we only know one type of milk. In my mind, I couldn't understand why people read milk labels. After arriving, I realized how important it is to read the labels," she commented.
"Seriously, you don't have 5 minutes to respond? That was my question when my friends took a long time to reply. And I wondered why they didn't respond until I was the one who didn't have time to reply. We really have no idea how fast time flies and our perception of life in the United States or outside of Cuba is distorted," she concluded in the video.
Understanding Life in the United States Through a Cuban Perspective
Here we address some common questions about the differences between life in Cuba and the United States as seen from the perspective of a Cuban who recently emigrated.
Why do people in the U.S. complain about small increases in gas prices?
Small increases in gas prices can significantly impact daily commutes and the ability to go to work for many people in the U.S., which is why even minor price changes are a big concern.
Why is reading labels on products like milk important in the U.S.?
Reading labels is crucial to understand the nutritional content and ingredients of products, which can vary widely. This practice helps consumers make informed choices about their diet and health.
Why do people in the U.S. often take longer to respond to messages?
Life in the U.S. is often fast-paced and busy, leading to less free time and delayed responses to messages. This can be a stark contrast to the more relaxed pace of life in Cuba.