A Cuban woman residing in Kentucky, who goes by the TikTok handle @maitebeauty84, has released a video that has left viewers in stitches. She humorously unveils a "treasure" she stumbled upon in her own home. Her mother, newly arrived from Cuba, left behind a surprise in the cleaning drawer: two tiny soap slivers wrapped in a small piece of paper. "Look at this... these are the kinds of things that happen when you bring your mom from Cuba," Maite begins, unable to contain her laughter. With a mix of astonishment and Cuban humor, she asks, "Can you explain to me why my mom is saving these little soap bits?"
It's not just about the soaps, though. As Maite explains, her mother also saves nylon bags, rice sacks, and anything else she deems potentially reusable. The video resonated with many fellow Cubans, who flooded the comments with their own insights. One suggested, “Teach her,” to which Maite humorously replied, “Of course, but it's a process.” Another commenter fully understood her predicament: “Cuban 100%,” to which Maite responded, “We Cubans and our unique habits.”
The comments also tapped into a sense of nostalgia: “Recycling. I did the same when I first arrived... poor thing, she'll adapt. We carry a trauma,” shared one user, to which Maite replied, “Of course, I know, we've all been there. We’re a funny bunch.”
Maite's video humorously highlights those deeply ingrained Cuban customs of saving things 'just in case,' a habit many continue to practice even when miles away from the island. After all, what Cuban hasn't tucked away those soap slivers or nylon bags for future use?