A young Cuban woman living in the United States shared her excitement on TikTok after visiting a Cuban store in the country for the first time and seeing "so many things from Cuba" like guava pastries, tamarind pulp, La Llave coffee, and Bucanero malt.
In her video, Erika (@erikadaniss_marketing) expressed how emotional it was to come across these items she hadn't seen in years. She also reflected on the high cost these products would have in Cuba, estimating that her purchase would amount to between 10,000 and 15,000 pesos, while the minimum wage on the island is roughly 1,700 pesos per month.
Rediscovering Cuban Delights
"I went to a Cuban store here in the United States for the first time, and I can't explain the excitement I felt seeing so many things from Cuba," she began as she showcased her purchases. Among the products that thrilled her the most were Pelly, a snack she described as hard to find on the island, and Bucanero malt, an iconic Cuban beverage. Each item she pulled out of her bag brought back memories and highlighted the significance of these flavors in her life.
A Stark Economic Contrast
Beyond the nostalgia, Erika also offered a poignant reflection on the economic disparity between the two countries. She pointed out that while these products are easily accessible in the U.S., their prices in Cuba would be a luxury many couldn't afford. "In Cuba, it's hard to find, and it costs a fortune," she remarked while showing a package of Pelly. She calculated that the same purchase in Cuba would cost thousands of Cuban pesos, contrasting starkly with the average monthly salary that doesn't exceed 2,000 pesos.
Emotional Connections for Cuban Expats
This type of content creates an emotional bond for Cubans living abroad, reflecting both the nostalgia for their culture and the harsh economic reality faced by those still residing in Cuba.