Newcomer's Observations Spark Debate: Cuban Woman Shares Unusual Experiences in Spain

A Cuban content creator, known on TikTok as @lachabe97, has stirred a wave of reactions after posting a video detailing some surprising observations since her arrival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. "I'm a Cuban living in the Canary Islands, I've been here a month, and this is part one of my video reacting to unusual things here that you obviously don't see in my country," she shared in the introduction of her video, which has garnered thousands of views, over a thousand likes, and hundreds of comments.

Among the peculiarities that caught her attention were the nightly urban cleaning process, with trucks cleaning streets and even under cars, pedestrian-friendly traffic lights with buttons, the abundance and convenience of ready-to-eat food, widespread public transportation use, and the midday closure of shops for the traditional "siesta."

Expressing surprise, she noted, "You don't need a car. There's a bus every two minutes here." She also commented on the dining habits: "Seeing so much food, so many options... you go and the food is already prepared, so you don't have to do anything."

Her remark about tipping caused the most controversy: "Here, you don't leave a tip. If you're owed a penny in change, you have to take it because if you say 'keep it,' they won't take it."

The young woman clarified that this is her first time outside her country, and these are her initial impressions as a newcomer.

Reactions from the Online Community: Support and Criticism

The video triggered a flood of responses, with many questioning the generalizations made by the Cuban woman. Some comments argued, "It's not true about the tipping," "businesses don't close at noon," or "tips are left in restaurants and gladly accepted."

Several messages criticized her for speaking out so soon after arriving: "You should have waited longer before speaking," "wait a year, and you'll see how the story changes," or "learn first, then give your opinion."

Others corrected her about siesta culture, stating, "Nobody here goes to sleep at noon," "businesses have split shifts, they close for meals and reopen later," or "it depends on the place, but most have continuous hours."

On the topic of tipping, many noted that "it's not accepted in supermarkets, but in hospitality, it is," "it's not mandatory but common," and "of course you tip, especially if the service is good."

There were also supportive and welcoming messages: "It's normal for these things to catch your attention," "you'll understand more over time," "you're still very new here," or "I felt the same way initially." Several encouraged her to keep sharing her experiences: "Explain it better in part two," "I loved the video," or "it's a valid perspective from your experience."

The creator herself responded to many of these reactions, clarifying that "she's only been here a month," "places she's visited don't accept tips," and that "she loves the Canary Islands."

A Growing Trend: Cultural Shock Narratives

This type of testimony is becoming increasingly common on social media. Previous cases, like a Cuban expressing amazement at the respect for traffic signals or a young man impressed by the food, urban silence, and traffic etiquette, have sparked intense discussions about development, coexistence, and migration expectations.

Phrases like "here a dog can eat better than a Cuban," "breathing differently," or "not having to stand in line is a luxury" are recurring in the stories of those who have left Cuba and are discovering everyday realities previously unfamiliar to them.

These narratives starkly contrast with the scarcity, shortages, and lack of services on the island, reflecting an emotional and cultural experience shared by thousands of Cuban emigrants, many of whom find in social media a way to express themselves, compare realities, and process their new lives.