Cuban Family Finds Unexpected Surprises in Tashkent: "I Thought It Would Be Different"

A Cuban family, initially departing from the island to Russia and later relocating to Abkhazia, embarked on a fresh journey that led them to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, they found a city that defied their expectations in many ways.

Milly, her husband Leisser, and their daughter Melody, known on YouTube as "Milly Vlogs La Familia Romero," captured their experiences in Uzbekistan's capital before continuing their extensive air journey, which included layovers in Istanbul and Bogotá, ultimately heading towards Brazil.

Their video, uploaded on Monday, September 21, showcases their initial challenges at the airport, as well as their explorations of Tashkent’s shopping centers, eateries, and notable landmarks.

From Russia to Abkhazia and Beyond

Having lived in Russia for approximately three and a half years, the family moved to Abkhazia, a Caucasus territory recognized by Russia and a few other nations as independent, but internationally considered part of Georgia. On September 5th, they left Abkhazia, embarking on a new chapter in their migration journey.

Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, an unexpected delay at immigration occurred when one of their passports was temporarily held for inspection, causing some anxiety until they resolved the issue.

Unexpected Discoveries in Tashkent

Once outside the airport, their perspective shifted. "Uzbekistan, I thought it would be different. It's really surprising," remarked Leisser during their exploration of Tashkent.

One of the significant surprises emerged during a visit to a shopping mall, where they encountered stores featuring international brands and luxury cars such as Ferraris, Bentleys, and Rolls-Royces, drawing comparisons to Dubai.

They were also struck by the stark contrast in prices compared to what they were accustomed to. Staying at the Grand Chosh Hotel, they reported paying about $40 per night, including breakfast.

"If you have the money, come relax. With $500 for a week, you can do quite a lot," Leisser advised, noting their primary reliance on taxis after facing difficulties with cash payments for some public transportation services.

Exploring Tashkent's Attractions

During their brief stay, the Cubans made the most of Tashkent's attractions. They visited the Central Asian Plov Centre, famous for its large-scale preparation of plov, a traditional Uzbek dish made with rice, meat, carrots, and onions.

They also explored Magic City, a vast entertainment complex in Tashkent featuring streets and buildings inspired by various European cities.

Their layover concluded on September 8th, when they departed Tashkent around 2:30 a.m. to continue their journey through Istanbul and Bogotá.

In a follow-up video, the Romeros hinted at more challenges ahead, stating that "the hardest part" of their journey was still to come.

Changing Paths Amid Migration Challenges

The Romeros’ story unfolds amidst increasing challenges for Cuban migrants in Russia, with many seeking new destinations due to tougher immigration policies for foreigners.

Uzbekistan has unexpectedly appeared as a stopover for some of these journeys. In August, a young Cuban woman from Mayabeque found herself stranded in Tashkent after Russian authorities expelled her to Uzbekistan instead of sending her back to Cuba.

For the Romeros, however, Tashkent was a voluntary stop on a much longer voyage. After years in Cuba, Russia, and Abkhazia, they are starting anew elsewhere, leaving the question of their ultimate destination open for now.