Cuban couple left emotional during first visit to COSTCO after escaping poverty-stricken Communist home nation
Marissa and Yoel Diaz, who are now living in Arizona, have documented their new life in the US on their TikTok account, @yoelandmari, which has racked up nearly half a million followers.
The couple shares everything from department store hauls to reflections on the contrast between life in Cuba and in America.
Marissa and Yoel grew up as family friends on the same street west of Havana. Yoel arrived in the US in 2021 on a K1 visa and is now a US citizen.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, the couple opened up about their journey and the emotional shock of their first Costco run.
'It's impressive. It's beautiful,' Yoel told the outlet.
'We Cubans love the meat.'
Yoel, who was a computer science teacher in Cuba, said he felt lightheaded stepping into the massive store for the first time.
The idea of simply walking down an aisle packed with food options was only something he'd seen in American movies.
Marissa described the difference in growing up and shopping in markets in Cuba.
She recalled the reality of grocery shopping in their home country - where options were scarce and essential items were never guaranteed.
'In Cuba, the [median] salary is around $40 a month, so you have to choose [very carefully] what you're going to buy,' she said.
'Those who get paid in Cuban pesos don't have access to the dollar stores. They have to go to a bodega — which is very limited with what you can get.'
She said it's impossible to rely on stores for even basic products like butter.
Cubans even use WhatsApp group chats to keep tabs on which stores might have essentials.
'It's not like in the United States, where you never have to think about if there's going to be butter in the grocery store or not,' Marissa said.
'That's what it's like being in Cuba - but all the time.'
She said the only thing she could compare it to is the Covid-19 pandemic when certain items across the country were limited and shelves were bare.
He said his first paycheck from UPS in 2022 was a life-changing moment .
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
9 minutes ago
- Reuters
China welcomes 183 Brazil coffee sellers in wake of US tariffs
SAO PAULO, Aug 3 (Reuters) - China has approved 183 new Brazilian coffee companies to export products to the Chinese market, according to a social media post of the Chinese embassy in Brazil on Saturday. The measure, a boon to local exporters after the United States government's announcement of steep tariffs on Brazilian coffee and other products, took effect on July 30. The new Chinese export permits are valid for five years, according to the post. The U.S.'s 50% tariff on some Brazilian products will begin on August 6. The levy represents a challenge for commodities traders and Brazilian coffee exporters, who need to find alternatives for the roughly 8 million bags sold to U.S. coffee processors every year. China is Brazil's top trade partner overall while the U.S. is a big buyer of Brazilian beef and orange juice, among other products. In June, Brazilian coffee exports into the U.S. totaled 440,034 60-kilo bags, 7,87 times more than Brazil's sales into China of nearly 56,000 bags that month, according to trade data compiled by industry lobby Cecafe. The Brazilian ministry of agriculture and Cecafe did not have an immediate comment. China's customs authority could not be immediately reached as it was outside the business hours. Brazil supplies about a third of the U.S. coffee demand each year, a trade valued at $4.4 billion in the 12 months ended in June.
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Ditch YOUR overpriced carrier! Here's how to get a whopping 50% off a full year of unlimited talk, text, and data
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more We live in an always-on, forever connected world. When you can't rely on your existing connection to make calls, send texts, or look something up when you're on the go, what good is your provider really? Mint Mobile heard the call for something both affordable and dependable, and they responded in a huge way — with an impressive 50 percent discount on its bestselling 12-month unlimited plan. That brings your total to just $15 per month, for an annual savings of $180 on all of the talk, text, and data you need without any extra charges. Mint Mobile No more sticker shock! Mint Mobile's bestselling Unlimited Plan is more accessible than ever, priced at just $15 a month for 12 months. That is an unbeatable deal that gives you unlimited talk, text, and data on the nation's largest 5G network. Whether you prefer an eSIM for instant activation or a physical SIM shipped to your door, getting started is super easy. You can keep your phone and number, too (but you can also shop new if you prefer). It's all laid out for you to make wireless access smart, simple, and affordable. Save 50% Shop The carrier is already known for its low-cost plans, which makes the prospect of getting half off its absolute best plan very appealing! What Mint Mobile does best is innovate, taking the usual wireless playbook and rewriting it in favor of something accessible and transparent. With no physical stores and zero gimmicks, Mint Mobile keeps overhead costs low so they can pass those savings on to you. But you aren't in for a world of trouble if you're attached to your current phone. Whether that's your situation or you're eyeing something new, switching is really simple. You can either carry your device and number over, or upgrade to a fresh device with your plan. Either way, you'll get unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot, with no hard caps and no overage fees. Even at 35GB, you'll never experience a total data shutdown. Powered by the nation's largest 5G network, Mint Mobile is known for its reliable nationwide coverage. No matter where you go, you can count on it to deliver without the surprises or flimsy zones that make calling and texting impossible. Managing your account is equally simple. You'll manage everything online, with a clear view of your account, billing, and usage all at your fingertips through the company's intuitive app. You can even earn credits toward your bill, an excellent perk that Mint Mobile users particularly appreciate. 'I recently switched from Verizon and I am stunned,' said one customer. 'Great service, incredibly transparent, easy to switch and use, intuitive app that tells you how much date you use, and more. Data streaming works really well. Love it!' The bottom line is that Mint Mobile lays everything out for you without the fluff, the surprises, or the things you don't need. They're simply presenting you with a more streamlined and effortless way to go wireless. At just $15 per month for a full year of absolutely everything, it's the best deal going right now. It's hard to imagine a smarter switch if you're looking to save money!
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
What you need to do NOW to sell your home... and find a new property for 2026
Selling your home can be a headache - from finding a real estate agent, to listing the property, and finding somewhere else to live, many sellers may be wondering where to even start. The truth is - you don't need a degree or copious amounts of cash to prepare your home for the market. Joey Bordi, the senior designer and project manager for City Real Estate, a firm based in San Francisco, California, spoke exclusively with Daily Mail, revealing the easy and even free tips that sellers can do to get their home in tip-top shape. As a designer and project manager, Bordi works with real estate agents to prep their listings to reach maximum value. He said one of the worst mistakes sellers can make is keeping their home hyper-personalized, making it impossible for a buyer to envision themselves there. 'Your home is your safe space and you should live in your home how you want to, but when you're going to sell it, it really needs to be palatable to the widest reach of buyers,' he said. Bordi advised keeping the home as empty as possible and sticking to a neutral color palette so that potential buyers can envision themselves living in the space. He gave the example of a green couch - someone may love the concept of a bold color for their sofa, but if a potential buyer hates green, that may be all they remember from the viewing. 'If it's a neutral palette - it's aspirational living,' Bordi explained. Keeping the décor simple so that buyers can picture their own style and furniture in the space can help them envision themselves living there. Personalized decorations, including family photos, kids' drawings, and unique styles, make potential buyers feel like they're walking into someone else's home instead of seeing their future home. 'Buyers don't want to feel like they're intruding on your family memories,' Bordi advised. 'Think model home, not a walk down memory lane.' Staying true to the bones Bordi cautioned that there isn't a one-size-fits-all for prepping your home, and sellers can best maximize their property's value by staying true to its architecture. Selecting a design that meshes well with the home's style makes it more cohesive. Modern finishes and designs may look amazing in a contemporary home, but can be an eyesore in an older house. Painting everything white may be the first instinct when making a home more versatile; however, it can hide certain homes that have unique character. 'If you have beautiful woodwork, paint the walls white, but don't paint the trims and the moldings,' Bordi said. 'We always leave those untouched and give that option to the new buyer.' The designer also warned against black finishes. It may seem like an easy way to update a space, but it can be a mistake. 'Black is a timeless finish. But I think it could go wrong really fast if it's done incorrectly,' Bordi said. 'Just because something's new and trendy, it might not work in your classic home or your hyper-modern home.' Sleek, modern styles have become a popular trend in interior design. Minimalist decorations, glossy furnishings, and sharp lines have recently risen to prominence. However, Bordi said the trend is on the decline and more sellers are opting not to decorate traditional spaces with hyper-modern furniture. He explained that the design is great for certain clients, but doesn't appeal to the masses. A space needs to invite potential buyers, and modern pieces may deter certain individuals from envisioning themselves in the space. More expensive isn't always better Bordi emphasized that opting for the more expensive improvement won't always pay off in the long run. He explained that picking materials for a home remodel should match the home's value. If the materials outvalue the home and the buyer doesn't like the renovation, it could end up being a waste of money for the seller. Bordi clarified that multi-million-dollar homes should have high-quality materials to match their worth, but modest homes don't need that level of investment. If a homeowner wants to renovate a home to live in it forever, Bordi advised going all out, but those who are planning to sell should purchase materials modestly. The designer revealed that two of the biggest mistakes he sees sellers make are focusing on the wrong areas and spending too much money. 'Kitchens and baths sell homes,' Bordi emphasized, adding that these areas should be the homeowner's primary focus when preparing their homes to sell at maximum value. Picking a realtor It may seem like the hard work is done once a home is in tip-top shape, but it's just getting started. Finding a realtor to put a home on the market is no easy feat. Bordi said that the first red flag homeowners should look for when choosing a realtor is a 'yes man'. He cautioned that the best agent will be honest about the improvements that need to be made instead of promising off the bat that the home will sell. Bordi also pushed homeowners to do their research and meet with multiple brokers and compare notes. If three experts say your kitchen needs a renovation, your kitchen needs a renovation, he said. Lastly, and perhaps most simply, he said to tap into your network, reach out to friends, colleagues, and family members for recommendations on the best agents. Joey Bordi's top tips for homeowners Joey Bordi, a project manager and in-house designer for City Real Estate, a firm based in San Francisco, California, shared his must-do tips for homeowners preparing to sell their homes. Scenario 1: Homeowners living in the home during the selling process (no-cost improvements) Depersonalize - Hide the family tree We know you love your kids' school photos and your wedding collage, but buyers don't want to feel like they're intruding on your family memories. Remove personal photos, diplomas, and any overly specific décor. Think model home, not a walk down memory lane. Bathroom detox Toothbrushes, razors, and shampoo bottles everywhere? Tuck them away. Clear off counters and showers completely to transform bathrooms into spa-like retreats, not a chaotic morning rush. Declutter like a minimalist on a mission Buyers will open your cabinets and closets. If they're stuffed to the brim, it suggests a lack of space. Clear out your closets to 50 percent capacity, tidy up the garage, and leave room to showcase the storage potential. Clean like you mean it Under the sofa. Inside kitchen drawers. Behind the toilet. Now's the time for a deep clean, like your in-laws are coming for a white-glove inspection. A spotless home signals pride of ownership, and that's priceless to a buyer. Power wash the first impression Before stepping into your home, buyers will see your driveway. Power wash the walkways, patios, and garage to make everything look fresh and new. Clean windows (inside and out) flood your space with light and instantly elevate the mood. Scenario 2: Homeowners living in the home during the selling process (minimal cost improvements) Fresh coat of paint A fresh coat of paint works wonders - it brightens rooms, neutralizes odors (goodbye curry smell), and adds a crisp, clean feel. Don't forget the exterior - a pop of color on the front door or window trims can do wonders for curb appeal. Light it up Outdated lighting fixtures? Swap them out for modern styles to make your home feel updated instantly. Bonus points for bright, warm bulbs that help set the mood during showings. Curb appeal starts with mulch No need for a full garden overhaul to impress. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, and add a fresh layer of mulch to flower beds. First impressions start at the sidewalk, and a little effort goes a long way. Bloom B=boosters Fresh flowers can make a space feel luxurious and welcoming. A simple bouquet on the coffee table or kitchen island adds color and life to the space - it's a small touch that makes a big impact. Scenario 3: Owners have moved out, home is empty (low-cost improvements) Paint inside and out Neutrals are your best friend. A fresh coat of soft, versatile paint refreshes the space and creates a cohesive feel. For the exterior, a fresh coat on the trim or siding can significantly boost curb appeal. Give floors a glow-up Worn-out carpet dragging the vibe down? Replace it, or refinish hardwood floors for a polished look. Clean, well-maintained floors show that the home is move-in ready and cared for - buyers will notice. Kitchen & bath facelifts (without the full renovation) No need for a full remodel - just update the finishes. New cabinet hardware, modern faucets, sleek lighting, and affordable quartz countertops can take your kitchen and bathrooms from outdated to stunning. These are the key rooms, so make them shine. Landscape like you mean it Crisp lawns, vibrant flowers, and well-maintained hedges help create a welcoming outdoor space. Whether it's morning coffee on the porch or weekend BBQs in the yard, buyers want to envision a lifestyle. Thoughtful landscaping helps them do just that.
