Elizabeth, a Cuban living in Mexico, has been delighting audiences with her humorous tales about adjusting to a country so different from her own. In her video, she shares amusing anecdotes that leave viewers pondering, such as the mix-up of words and the shock that even lollipops, or Chupa Chups, here come with a spicy twist.
She humorously recounts her initial confusion upon arriving, like learning that "popote" refers to what she has always known as a straw, and that "totopo" is the fried tortilla Mexicans use to scoop up guacamole. The realization that what Mexicans call "sandía" is what she knows as melon, while their "melón" is a fruit she can't even name in Cuba, was another cultural surprise. One viewer commented that this isn't unusual, as every country has its own "language" when it comes to food. Another couldn't help but joke, “No wonder they say, ‘Is it melon, is it watermelon, or is it the old lady from the other day?’”
However, what truly blew her mind was encountering the famous "Cuban torta." For her, this dish bears no resemblance to anything from Cuba, certainly not to what they call a "torta" back home. “In Cuba, that torta doesn’t exist. It’s just bread with roast pork, plain and simple,” she explains with the typical spark of Cubans. This sparked a lively debate in the comments, with some explaining the name comes from the fact it contains a bit of everything, just like Cuban culture. Others suggested it was named after a street called Cuba in Mexico City, while someone else claimed Fidel Castro might have had a role in it.
Despite these cultural shocks, what has impressed her the most is the warmth of the Mexican people. She acknowledges that, even with cultural differences, the people are polite, helpful, and that Mexico is a land full of opportunities. In her own words, “here, you can achieve your dreams and have a quality life.” A follower responded with a heartfelt message: “I love your accent, and you’re beautiful, welcome to Mexico.”
The video, shared on her account @eliponte05, resonates with anyone who has lived abroad and knows the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Some viewers asked her to explain more Cuban expressions, like “precio de gallina muerta” or the famous “qué bolá, asere.” Others admitted to being confused by words like “guagua” for bus or never understanding the concept of “reparto.”
Her journey highlights how cultural differences can be both puzzling and entertaining, and ultimately, that Cubans and Mexicans share a unique bond that transcends language.
Cultural Adaptation in Mexico
What surprised Elizabeth about Mexican food terminology?
Elizabeth was surprised to learn that terms like "popote" and "totopo" referred to items she knew by different names, and that even lollipops are spicy in Mexico.
Why was Elizabeth confused about the "Cuban torta"?
Elizabeth found the "Cuban torta" confusing because it didn't resemble any dish from Cuba, where a torta is simply bread with roast pork.
How has Elizabeth found the Mexican people?
Elizabeth has been impressed by the politeness and helpfulness of the Mexican people and sees Mexico as a country full of opportunities.
What cultural expressions did commenters ask Elizabeth to explain?
Commenters asked Elizabeth to explain Cuban expressions like “precio de gallina muerta” and “qué bolá, asere.”