After spending just eight months away from Cuba, a Cuban woman living in the United States made an urgent return to the island due to her mother's worsening health condition caused by severe rheumatoid arthritis. Her story, shared on TikTok, has touched thousands who have followed every step of her journey, which she has documented for her followers.
The young woman, known on social media as @maibless3, began her journey from Gainesville, Florida, a city without an international airport. This necessitated a four-hour layover in Miami before she could board a flight to Havana. Despite the short flight, turbulence made her uneasy: "I'm still not used to flying since I've only flown once," she admitted nervously.
However, the real stress began upon her arrival in Havana. Her return was intended to be a surprise for her family, so no one awaited her at the airport. What she anticipated to be a quick process turned into a challenging ordeal.
The Airport Predicament
When passing through customs, officials found two steam fryers in her luggage, raising concerns due to their weight. Although she was allowed to leave, her partner was pulled aside for additional luggage weighing. The situation worsened when the airport experienced a power outage.
"The scale doesn't work without power," she recounted with resignation. The blackout halted all processes, leaving her waiting outside the airport for four hours, unaware of what was happening. "Cuba welcomed us with a power outage," she summarized with frustration, noting that half the flight was delayed due to the inability to complete baggage checks.
A Surprise Reunion
Eventually, the electricity was restored, and her companion managed to pass through customs without issues. Luckily, their luggage was not overweight, and nothing was confiscated, allowing them to finally reunite with her family for the much-anticipated surprise.
This incident highlights the harsh realities of life in Cuba, even for those arriving from abroad filled with hope, medical supplies, and family love. It also underscores the challenges many emigrants face when returning to the island temporarily, particularly during emergencies.
Common Challenges for Cuban Emigrants Returning Home
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face when returning to Cuba?
Cuban emigrants often face difficulties such as power outages, cumbersome customs processes, and unexpected delays, all of which can complicate their return to the island.
How do power outages impact travelers at Cuban airports?
Power outages can significantly disrupt airport operations in Cuba, leading to delays in baggage processing and customs checks, leaving travelers waiting for extended periods.