A Cuban woman visiting a supermarket for the first time in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was left in awe by the abundance and variety of products available. The moment was captured on a TikTok video shared by her daughter, user @anna1218_, who noted, “It's my mom's first time leaving Cuba to meet us in the Dominican Republic. Her reaction at the Punta Cana supermarket speaks volumes.”
In the video, the mother can be seen wandering through the fruit and vegetable section, clearly astonished by the sheer quantity and quality of the produce. In disbelief, she asks, “Is this real? My goodness. Are these garlics just for decoration?” Her reaction highlights the stark contrast between the limited product availability in Cuba and the vast options found in other countries.
This type of experience is not uncommon among Cubans traveling abroad. For instance, another Cuban woman visiting Mexico was amazed to find aisles stocked with mayonnaise and oil—commodities often scarce in her home country. “So many mayonnaises, so many brands, and all the prices!” she exclaimed during her supermarket tour. These reactions underscore the significant differences in the availability of basic goods between Cuba and other nations, highlighting the everyday struggles Cuban citizens face.
Understanding the Cuban Shopping Experience Abroad
Why are Cuban citizens surprised by supermarkets abroad?
Cubans are often surprised by supermarkets abroad due to the limited availability of products in Cuba, which contrasts sharply with the abundance and variety they encounter in other countries.
What products are often scarce in Cuba?
Basic goods like mayonnaise, oil, and a variety of fresh produce are often hard to find in Cuba, leading to astonishment when Cubans see these items readily available in other countries.
How do these experiences highlight the challenges faced by Cubans?
These experiences emphasize the daily hardships faced by Cubans, as they often deal with shortages and limited access to a wide range of goods, which impacts their quality of life significantly.