An Argentine tourist, known on TikTok as @melkiorgabo, has gone viral after sharing a series of photos detailing her disheartening experience during a trip to Cuba. Her candid account, which concludes with the statement that she "would not return," has sparked considerable debate among online viewers.
The images, taken during her visits to Havana and Varadero, highlight several unexpected aspects of her journey. Captions such as "No electricity, no coffee, and no food" accompany the photos, offering a stark view of the conditions she encountered. Other captions describe "Trash in Havana, a common sight" and "Harassment in Havana is among the worst I’ve experienced, with five or six people per block trying to sell you things."
Her documentation of meals served at hotels also drew attention, with remarks like "Even the hotel staff couldn't identify this," "Dessert with grated cheese and a terrible taste," and "A $15 soup no one could tell if it was fish or sweet potato."
In the comments section, the traveler expressed her disappointment, stating, "It's honestly not worth it. It's sad to see how things are," in response to a user. Her post has elicited over 450,000 reactions and more than 9 million views, sparking a heated discussion among those who support her account and others defending the country’s image.
One Cuban respondent thanked her, saying, "Thanks for showing the reality we live," while other users attributed the issues to the U.S. embargo, with comments like "That's because of the American blockade." This led others to counter, "Stop blaming the blockade; that’s pure communism."
The TikToker clarified that her intent was not to offend but merely to share her experience, responding, "It's just a TikTok sharing my experience." She also disclosed that she stayed at the Hotel Meliá Internacional Varadero and spent time in Havana during her visit to the island.
In reply to a comment, she stated, "I wanted to go anyway. I'm documenting my trip so people stop talking about Cuba as a paradise. The locals are having a tough time."
Despite the polarized responses, her video continues to gather views and reactions. Many echoed the sentiment that her story reflects the reality faced by both tourists and locals. One prominent user summed up the sentiment by writing, "Cuba is beautiful, but its people deserve a better life."
Understanding the Tourist Experience in Cuba
What were the main issues faced by the tourist in Cuba?
The tourist faced several issues, including lack of electricity, inadequate food, and persistent harassment from vendors.
How did the public react to the tourist's account?
The reaction was mixed; some supported her depiction of reality, while others defended Cuba, blaming the U.S. embargo for the problems.
Where did the tourist stay during her trip?
She stayed at the Hotel Meliá Internacional Varadero and visited Havana.