"My recent trip to Cuba profoundly affected me; I return with a broken soul and a shattered heart, overwhelmed by the stark contrast between the Cuba of the past and its current state. The people and the situation in Cuba left me speechless," shared Rosylen (@rosalbaherrera1694) about her latest visit to the island, an experience that left her deeply marked and unable to shake the sadness.
In her account, Rosylen also posted photos with her family and contemplated the harsh reality of her homeland. "My journey to Cuba to see my family was an emotional rollercoaster, leaving my heart in pieces but filled with energy," she expressed in a message brimming with nostalgia.
After posting aerial images of Havana from the airplane, she admitted this trip felt different, significantly more painful. "Food costs twice or more than it does here. All I can do is cry," she added in response to a comment.
Her message sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok, where many shared their own heartbreak after visiting the island and pondered over the situation. Comments ranged from "You broke me, your voice cracked" to "I came back the same way, spent a week crying." Others noted the visible toll on locals: "People are very thin, burned by the sun from searching for food, with sadness and disillusionment etched on their faces and souls."
Reflections Stirred by a Deep Connection
One user mentioned, "My son returned on Saturday and said, 'Mom, I left half of my life in Cuba.' My grandmother, my sister... he came back very depressed." Another noted, "Cuba needs to be free," while someone else lamented, "The dictatorship is to blame, yet many both there and here defend it."
The impact of Rosylen's words extended beyond her usual followers. Many reflected on the responsibility of those abroad, not only to support their families but also to advocate for substantial change on the island.
For those forced to leave, Cuba remains an open wound, and videos like Rosylen's serve as a poignant reminder of the pain of leaving loved ones behind in such dire circumstances.