A Cuban man, who moved back to Cuba with his family after residing in the United States, took to TikTok to express what he longs for from his time in the U.S. While he mentioned several comforts, two particular aspects stood out: enjoying hot showers and the ease of finding car parts.
Known online as HG Texido (@yusniertexido), he responded to a follower's query on TikTok about what he misses most from the U.S. In his video, he also shared what his wife and son yearn for.
His wife fondly remembers their trips to malls, even when there was no intention to shop. "Even if you didn't buy anything, just a stroll, whatever little thing was on sale, you'd get it," she reminisced. She also mentioned the meals they relished, like teriyaki chicken with sweet sauce, "something different from what you make at home."
Their son, on the other hand, misses the diverse dining-out options, ranging from fried rice and spaghetti to various meat dishes and teriyaki chicken.
When it was his turn, Texido revealed two significant things he misses about his lifestyle in America.
Struggles Without Everyday Conveniences
The first is the simple pleasure of taking hot showers. "Every time I have to pour that cold shower water, oh man," he laughed. Currently, he resorts to heating water in a bucket and using a jar to bathe. Though he plans to install a 50-liter water heater for hot showers, he must stick to this method for now.
The second major issue is the challenge of sourcing car parts, which has become a significant headache since returning to Cuba. Texido is on a quest for an original part for his Land Rover Defender, a classic vehicle from the 80s and 90s, but has yet to find it. Despite a trip to Havana in hopes of purchasing the part, he returned empty-handed.
"Trying to fix something on my car, like a part or a screw, and not being able to find it," he lamented.
The Contrast Between Cuba and the U.S.
He emphasized how easy it was to find virtually any part in the U.S., whether in stores or via online platforms. "There, you go out, head to a store, and they've got everything. And if you don't find it locally, you can order from Amazon or eBay, and you'll get it," he assured.
The struggle to acquire car parts is a common issue for drivers in Cuba. A vehicle seller previously outlined why sending a car to the island could be problematic, citing parts scarcity, fuel access difficulties, and poor road conditions among the challenges.
In July 2026, HG Texido declared his permanent return to Cuba with his family. At that time, he posted a video from his nearly empty home after selling his furniture and belongings, stating he was leaving "completely," including with his dog, Firulais.
Months after that decision, the Cuban acknowledges missing conveniences from his former life, especially when facing cold showers or searching for car parts. "In this country, nothing's available," he expressed with frustration regarding the scarcity of parts in Cuba.
Common Challenges Faced by Cuban Returnees
What are the main conveniences Cubans miss after returning from the U.S.?
Cubans often miss the ease of access to hot showers and the availability of car parts, among other conveniences like diverse dining options and shopping experiences.
Why is it difficult to find car parts in Cuba?
The scarcity of car parts in Cuba is due to limited import options and a lack of availability in local markets, making it challenging for vehicle maintenance and repairs.
How do returnees adapt to the lack of hot water in Cuba?
Many returnees adapt by heating water manually in buckets and using makeshift methods for bathing until they can install a proper water heater.