A young Mexican woman has gained viral attention on TikTok after sharing her personal journey of moving to Cuba with her husband and baby. In her video, she addresses a common question from her followers: why did she choose to relocate to the island?
Originally hailing from a small village called El Triunfo in Tabasco, the woman, known on TikTok as @anylunarvaez, cites Cuban medicine as a significant reason for her move, having heard about its reputation long before setting foot in the country. "An urban legend that holds true is that medicine in Cuba is excellent," she remarked while applying makeup. She explained that despite the challenges faced by Cubans, doctors there explore every possible option before resorting to drastic measures like amputation. "They explore a thousand ways to save a foot before cutting it off," she asserted.
She also emphasized the high level of education among Cuban professionals. "I think that's why Cuban doctors excel when they come to Mexico. It's also a country where people read a lot and have a strong inclination towards the arts—be it painting, dance, or other forms," she added.
In her account, she mentioned visiting several hospitals in Havana, expressing admiration for their architecture. "You can see some neglect, actually quite a bit, but you can tell that during their golden era—around the 1960s—they were magnificent hospitals," she noted. She humorously compared some hallways to scenes from the Harry Potter series: "They almost look like Hogwarts," she joked, highlighting the colonial style and architectural details that still stand out.
She also mentioned knowing Cuban doctors who've participated in exchanges in Saudi Arabia and Mexico. Responding to critics who question her decision to live in a country facing energy crises and shortages, she replied with humor and perspective: "Here, the power doesn't go out for five days, but we do get a few-hour blackouts. We lose signal, the light, and water for about three or four days," she said. However, she insisted that her life in Tabasco had prepared her for these conditions.
"When my husband told me we were moving there, I said yes. My mom didn't raise a coward, although I didn't know what I was getting into," she concluded, reaffirming her choice to move to the island with her family.
Insights on Moving to Cuba
Why did the Mexican woman choose to move to Cuba?
She was drawn by the reputation of Cuban medicine, having heard about its excellence before moving. She also appreciates the artistic culture and educational level in Cuba.
What are her thoughts on Cuban hospitals?
She was impressed by the architecture of Havana's hospitals, noting their past grandeur despite current neglect, and likened some areas to scenes from Harry Potter.
How does she perceive the challenges of living in Cuba?
Despite facing power outages and shortages, she finds humor in the situation and feels her previous life in Tabasco prepared her for such challenges.