A young Cuban woman decided to share her journey to Cuba and back, highlighting the stark contrast between her departure and return. Her TikTok summary was succinct yet telling: “Returned 10 pounds lighter, sunburned, with a thousand photos, 500 videos, no money, but a heart full of love.” The user, @lietica.betancourt, chronicled her travels from leaving for the airport to arriving back home. While she didn’t go into detail, the visuals spoke volumes: tanned, disheveled, dressed in casual attire, and sporting that look of having given it all on her trip.
Although she's not a public figure, her video resonates due to its honesty and relatable humor. It’s not a dramatic tale but rather a familiar one for those who live outside Cuba and come back for a visit—filled with intensity, family, heat, and expenses that sneak up on you. During her stay, she also shared brief clips of her time on the island: strolls, reunions, and scenes that need no words to convey their emotional weight. All of it portrayed without pretense, capturing the spontaneity of everyday life.
Her “after” can be summed up as a blend of exhaustion, affection, and nostalgia. Despite returning thinner and penny-less, she came back with her heart brimming with love. Has something similar ever happened to you?
More and more Cubans living abroad are using social media to share snippets of their visits to the island. These videos are often filled with nostalgia, emotions, and everyday scenes that evoke the warmth of family reunions, the taste of familiar foods, or the sights of cherished places from the past. Such posts serve as small memory capsules for those who live far away but continue to look back.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba
What are common experiences for Cubans visiting the island?
Many Cubans experience a mix of emotions, including nostalgia, joy from reuniting with family, and a sense of financial strain due to unexpected expenses.
Why do people share their travel experiences on social media?
Sharing travel experiences on social media allows individuals to connect with others, preserve memories, and express the emotional journey of visiting home after being away.