A Cuban, now living in Paraguay, shared on social media that he left his homeland due to the severe shortages he faced, where even eating meat once a week was considered a true luxury. "In Cuba, we went hungry, and eating meat once a week made you the happiest person on earth," noted the young man identified as Harche Vlog on TikTok.
He recounted that during his childhood in the Caribbean nation, he was unfamiliar with many basic foods, such as sodas, and did not even know what a real market was. Since moving to Paraguay, he has discovered not only these products but also the international culinary richness that was previously inaccessible to him.
Military Service and Escape from Cuba
In addition to the shortages faced in Cuba, he was also subjected to horrific pressure during the two years he spent in mandatory military service. "They subjected us to psychological abuse and taught us some pretty shady things," he recounted, describing the disturbing experiences he had during that period.
Detailing his escape from Cuba, he shared that he and his family risked their lives crossing the Amazon. "We slept in the Amazon, crossed rivers," he said, referring to the numerous hardships they faced during their perilous journey.
First Taste of Capitalism
The TikToker, Harche Vlog, recently shared on his social media the experience of trying his first meal at McDonald's, describing it as "the most capitalist and American thing I've done in my life." "It was a very distant dream to be able to do these kinds of things, which are very frowned upon in my country," he confessed on TikTok, noting that he always saw McDonald's and other international food brands in the movies he watched in Cuba.
The cuisine of Paraguay has also left the young man fascinated, as he expressed on TikTok: "God, how easy it is to make a Cuban happy!" in a video where he is seen trying various dishes.
Common Questions About Emigrating from Cuba
Given the challenging circumstances described by Harche Vlog, many people have questions about the emigration process and the conditions in Cuba that drive such decisions. Here are some frequently asked questions.
Why do many Cubans choose to emigrate?
Many Cubans emigrate due to severe shortages of basic necessities, lack of economic opportunities, and political repression in their home country.
What are some of the risks involved in emigrating from Cuba?
Emigrating from Cuba often involves dangerous journeys, such as crossing the Amazon, and the risk of encountering harsh conditions and hostile environments.
How has life improved for Cuban emigrants in other countries?
Many Cuban emigrants find improved access to food, better economic opportunities, and greater personal freedoms in their new countries.