"Spain is more than just a country; it's an effortless breath," reflects young Cuban émigré Amed González from his new home in Spain. Through his TikTok account, he shares a stark contrast between life in Cuba and his new experiences in Europe. On his profile, @amed.cubanitofit, he conveys his emotions and observations about arriving in Spain. In one of his videos, he remarks, "There's a before and after that only makes sense once you've crossed that sea of uncertainties." He describes how in Cuba, people get used to waiting in line for basic needs, constantly finding ways to make do even when there's nothing to make do with, living each day as a struggle rather than a life. Simple acts, like turning on a faucet to see a steady flow of water, left him in awe: "You just stand there thinking, is this even possible? Is this normal?"
In a follow-up video, he delves deeper into his reflections. González highlights that in Spain, "Having electricity, transportation, internet, and the freedom to shop without it being a nightmare isn't a luxury," emphasizing, "Here, you don't have to steal to get basic necessities." He believes, "Spain isn't just a country; it's an effortless breath, a place where the future isn't a hollow word." He encourages fellow Cubans dreaming of emigration, "Don't give up; there's a world beyond the island you can't even imagine, and you can breathe there."
His posts have sparked a wave of emotional responses. Comments like "The first days, I wondered if there would be water" or "It's freedom, although with a pang in the heart for what we left behind," show a deep connection to his experience. Other Cuban migrants in Spain commend him for sharing his story, affirming that deciding to emigrate was the best choice they ever made.
These personal expressions are part of a growing narrative among Cubans who, from various corners of Spain, use social media to share their adaptation journeys. Amed is not alone in this. Weeks earlier, Yasy Vidal, a young émigré from Málaga, shared a video detailing her transition from being a computer engineer in Cuba to working as a waitress in Spain, proudly defending her job: "Being a waitress doesn't erase my degree, my history, my goals, or my essence; on the contrary, it adds layers of strength, humility, and humanity."
The story of an 87-year-old Cuban grandmother also drew attention when she was shocked by the price of a juice pack in a Spanish supermarket, thinking it cost 1.50 euros per unit, only to realize that was the price for the entire pack. Her grandson captured the moment on TikTok, highlighting the stark contrast with the island's prices.
Another recent account came from the creator known as Franklyn_botanica, who shared his experiences in Madrid, describing the kindness he encountered from Spaniards in shops, restaurants, and public transport. His narrative sparked a debate among his followers about the perception of Cuban immigrants in Spain.
Stories like Amed González's contribute to this collective archive of shared experiences that not only reveal the challenges of emigration but also underline the psychological impact of life in Cuba. "Don't lose faith, don't give up, because we deserve more," he concludes in his post, blending hope, nostalgia, and determination.
Cuban Emigration to Spain: Key Questions and Insights
How does Amed González describe his experience in Spain compared to Cuba?
Amed González describes Spain as a place where basic necessities like electricity, transportation, and internet are not luxuries. He contrasts this with the constant struggle for essentials in Cuba, highlighting the freedom and ease of life in Spain.
What impact has Amed González's story had on other Cuban immigrants in Spain?
His story has resonated deeply, generating emotional responses from other Cuban immigrants who share similar experiences. Many commend him for his courage to share his journey and affirm that emigration was the best decision they made.
What other stories of Cuban immigrants in Spain are mentioned?
The article mentions Yasy Vidal, who transitioned from a computer engineer in Cuba to a waitress in Spain, and an 87-year-old grandmother surprised by Spanish prices. These stories highlight the diverse experiences and challenges faced by Cuban immigrants.