Life in Cuba was at times very difficult logistically. Without wireless internet or data, and costly phone plans, coordinating or completing simple tasks is difficult. For various reasons, long lines and bureaucratic nightmares made trips to hospitals or banks long excursions. At first, I romanticized the crowded buses and yelling “Ultimo” to figure out who was last in line. But by the end of my trip, I was exhausted with it all. And I had it easier than any Cuban. If my bus was too crowded or late, I could hope in a more costly taxi. I went to a foreign clinic, which gave better service than Cuban clinics.
But I didn’t realize just how drastically different it would be leaving. Here are some jarring moments where I forgot the cultural differences between Cuba and my world, for better and for worse:
Americans waiting in line to check-in for their flight continually complained to American Airlines staff members about which line was moving faster, and how inappropriate the wait was. The American Airlines employees politely apologized and assured the passenger that the line will move shortly. Waits in Cuba are extensive, regular and expected—and customer service wouldn’t reassure you so kindly.
But nobody was dancing in line, or playing “Hotel California” on their Cubacel.
Advertising is everywhere. And there are a lot of options when shopping. Sure, the brand is in Cuba. But the government either creates their own brands, or has special contracts with companies like Red Bull. At the airport, when one newsstand didn’t have the magazine I was looking for, they directed me to another newsstand that was a different company just three doors down.
Upon seeking ground transport outside of the Cancun International Airport, the bus driver rushed us to pile our bags in the car and get inside. The trip was quick, and the car didn’t have any mechanical issues. You see, twice on excursions outside to cities of Havana, our group was stranded road-side waiting for a replacement van or bus because ours broke down.
Leaving in Cuba made me realize just how overwhelming deciding between different stores, dozens of brands or hundreds of toppings really is. It may be better to have dozens of newspapers on a stand, versus government controlled media, but why must I decide between NatureMade Vitamins and HealthyChoices Vitamins?
I was at a restaurant the other day, and they had everything on the Menu (Almost every restaurant in Cuba will tell you there is “no hay” at some point). On top of that, the waiter continually asked me how everything was. After three months of having to flag down service, and feeling rude doing so, it felt overwhelming to have a waiter ask if I needed anything.
Elevators in the Miami airport worked. I can drink tap water. I flushed toilet paper down the toilet. A lot is different.
But still, a lot is the same. Instead of being Spanish first, English second, signs are in English first, then Spanish second. Bureaucracies still shuffled me around through the airport. Mothers kiss their babies, and Pitbul still shows up in nearly every song you hear.