Leaving your home country to start a new life elsewhere is never easy. Besides leaving behind family and friends, adapting to the new customs of your host country can be a significant challenge. This is especially true for many, including a Cuban living in Belgium who shared a list of things he still hasn't adapted to after five years in Europe.
On his TikTok profile, Armando Álvarez (@a.alvarez95) detailed the aspects of his life in Europe that continue to be difficult for him to adjust to. He started with the music, moved on to the smells, and concluded with the challenge of forming close relationships.
At the top of his list, Armando placed music. "Even after five years, I still can't adapt. It's complicated. I feel that the music here is pop-house, and it's not for me. I miss more vibrant music and the musical adrenaline. You don't feel that here. You'll end up playing Cuban music at home countless times," he commented about the local music scene.
This Cuban expat continued his list by addressing the issue of smells. "I'm sorry, it's a taboo subject, but it's quite unpleasant. We come from Caribbean heat, from the tropics, where you don't have those smells. Working in a place where you have contact with a lot of people can be overwhelming," he added.
"As number three, this depends on each person's experience, but forming bonds. Achieving those connections that you could have easily formed back home is tough, even if you try to get involved. I've talked to several people, and there are many factors that affect this," said Armando.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Expats in Europe
In this section, we address some common questions about the challenges Cuban expatriates face when living in Europe, with insights from Armando Álvarez's experiences.
Why is it difficult for Cuban expats to adapt to European music?
Cuban expats may find it hard to adapt to European music because it often lacks the vibrant and adrenaline-pumping qualities of Cuban music, leading many to feel disconnected from the local music scene.
What are the challenges related to smells that Cuban expats face in Europe?
Cuban expats may find the smells in Europe overwhelming, especially when working in public spaces. This is largely because they are accustomed to the different scent profiles of the Caribbean climate.
Why is forming close relationships difficult for Cuban expats in Europe?
Forming close relationships can be challenging for Cuban expats due to cultural differences and the difficulty of integrating into social circles that are often pre-established.