Two Cuban friends living in Italy have taken the internet by storm with a humorous TikTok video that highlights what not to say before traveling to Cuba. The clip, shared by user @alegriacubanaa, has gone viral as it humorously yet realistically portrays the challenges many Cubans face when planning trips back to the island.
In their video, the friends offer tips on what information to keep under wraps before embarking on the journey, particularly to dodge endless requests for favors and inquiries about the money they're bringing along. One of their key pieces of advice is to "keep it under wraps," a strategy aimed at avoiding a flood of demands and expectations from both family and friends in Cuba and Italy.
Timing is Everything
Another suggestion is to inform family members, especially mothers, at the last possible moment. This tactic is suggested to prevent them from "spreading the news" prematurely, which, as they jokingly mention, could lead to an overwhelming list of requests.
Keep Finances Private
The friends also emphasize the importance of never disclosing the amount of money you plan to bring, as doing so could lead to misunderstandings or heightened expectations among acquaintances.
This video resonates with the experiences of many Cubans abroad who must plan their trips with discretion and caution, steering clear of awkward questions or pressures to bring back hard-to-find goods from the island. Its popularity on TikTok underscores how Cubans, both on and off the island, use humor as a way to navigate the complexities of maintaining family and cultural ties amid the current economic challenges and geographical distance.