Cuban content creator Yisle Blogs, who resides in Louisville, Kentucky, shared an emotional video on Facebook detailing her return to Cuba after a five-year absence. She described a vastly changed island, stating it's a reality that "you have to experience to believe."
The trip had a special purpose: introducing her young son, Cali, born outside of Cuba, to her family. However, from the moment of arrival, the reunion was tinged with pain.
"No matter how many times you go back to your homeland, you always feel the same mix of joy and sadness. It's a confusing feeling that only emigrants understand," the influencer expressed at the beginning of the video.
On the day she arrived, she had to visit her hospitalized grandmother. The conditions she found there left her stunned: "The state of the hospital—why even describe it if you already know? No water, no medications, no electricity, nothing at all."
This scene encapsulated for her the extent of the changes: "This trip has been a turning point. I’ve seen my family endure situations you have to witness to believe. It doesn’t resemble the Cuba any of us left."
Despite the blackout, Yisle's father had prepared a homemade meal: roast pork he had raised himself, congrí, and yuca. They ate by lamp light, without electricity, in a bittersweet reunion after years apart.
"Despite all those things, we were happy to see each other after so many years," Yisle admitted, unable to hide the conflicting emotions that define each return.
Yisle's account is far from isolated. Another Cuban living in New Jersey returned from a September trip to Villa Clara describing it as "a disaster" and the worst of her three visits back to the island.
The collapse of Cuba's healthcare system forms the backdrop to these stories. According to United Nations data, the availability of medications in Cuba was only about 30% of normal levels as of September 2026. Over 100,000 patients, including 11,000 children, were waiting for surgeries delayed by power cuts.
Before leaving, Yisle packed her bags mostly with medications and clothes for her son, leaving little room for personal items. She had joked with her characteristic humor, "If you don't hear from me for a week, you know I'm in agony."
The video garnered more than 346,000 views and nearly 39,000 reactions on Facebook, mirroring what thousands of Cuban emigrants feel each time they return to the island.
Yisle announced that she will continue sharing more videos from her stay: "I’ve recorded countless videos of my days there, which I’ll be sharing with you," she promised, closing with a phrase that sums up the gravity of her experiences: "What’s happening is sad, girl, and my heart truly feels it."
Understanding the Current Cuban Reality
What prompted Yisle Blogs to return to Cuba?
Yisle Blogs returned to Cuba to introduce her young son, Cali, to her family, as he was born outside of the country.
What were some of the conditions Yisle observed in Cuba?
Yisle observed dire conditions in a hospital, including a lack of water, medications, and electricity. She also noted the general hardships faced by her family due to the current state of the island.
How did the Cuban healthcare system impact her visit?
The Cuban healthcare system's collapse is evident in the limited availability of medications and delayed surgeries, affecting over 100,000 patients, including children.