A Cuban woman living in Spain has stirred up TikTok by candidly sharing the aspects of Spanish life that continue to amaze her even after five years in the country. “Of course, I’m still surprised, because there’s nothing like this in Cuba,” she explains in her video, where she also addresses criticism from a previous post: “They asked how long I’ve been here, calling me ‘this country girl...’”
Keila Marrero (@keilamarrero2000), who resides in Almería, works in a supermarket, specifically in the meat and deli department. Every day, she encounters products she never saw in Cuba, which still leave her astonished. “I don’t understand why there are so many kinds of cold cuts, and they’re all delicious: Pamplonica, Revilla, mortadella with olives, Sicilian... there’s everything!” she exclaims in wonder.
She also highlights the variety of meats as another significant difference from what she knew back in her homeland: “Quail, rabbit, free-range chicken, lamb, pork… you can eat every part of the pig, even the brains. I’m not sure if that’s a thing in Cuba, as far as I remember.” Keila insists her sense of wonder never fades.
Canned products are another aspect she emphasizes, something almost non-existent on the island. “You find a lot of canned food. I never saw that in Cuba,” she notes. And when it comes to cheeses, her praise is endless: “Not to mention the cheeses... there’s an incredible variety.”
Her video has been flooded with positive comments from Spaniards who appreciate her enthusiasm and her ability to value what many take for granted. “Thank you for appreciating what we have,” “You have to come to the north to try more things,” and “You’re always welcome” are just a few of the messages she’s received.
Keila wraps up her story by expressing her admiration for Spanish cuisine. “Spain has the best gastronomy in the world,” she asserts, adding that her husband, who has traveled extensively, agrees: “There’s no place like Spain when it comes to food.” Her genuine and grateful message has resonated with thousands who celebrate her presence in the country.
Common Questions About Living in Spain as a Cuban Expat
What surprises Keila the most about living in Spain?
Keila is most surprised by the wide variety of food products, especially cold cuts, meats, canned goods, and cheeses, which are not commonly found in Cuba.
How do Spaniards react to Keila's enthusiasm for their food?
Spaniards have reacted positively, leaving comments that appreciate her enthusiasm and express a warm welcome to her in their country.