My Neighbor Next Door is from...CUBA.

A new blog feature from AAA Translation’s Susanne Evens, My Neighbor Next Door is from… aims to expand multi-cultural knowledge and break down divides by letting readers get to know immigrants from various countries…one neighbor, friend and/or business colleague at a time.

This month’s featured country is Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean. A multiethnic country, its people, culture and customs come from diverse origins. The exact meaning of the name Cuba is unclear, but it may be translated either as 'where fertile land is abundant' (cubao) or 'great place' (coabana).

We recently interviewed one of our cherished clients, Vince Estrada. Vince is originally from Cuba, immigrated to the U.S. more than 50 years ago and works with MTS World.

Q. What are the cultural differences between Cuba and the USA?

A. Having been a Spanish colony for nearly 4 centuries, Cuban cultural and ethnic roots are predominantly Spanish, with a mixture of African brought in with the slaves to work the sugar fields after the extinction of the native Indians. Throw in some US influence owing to the geographical proximity and investments and you have the Cuban culture. I believe this synergy produced a unique culture, distinct from that of other Latin American countries.

Q. What brought you to the U.S.?

A. My unwillingness to live under a Communist regime.

Q. What is something most people don't know about Cuba?

A. That Cuba was a very advanced society in many socio-economic fields prior to the takeover by the Communist regime.

Q. What do you miss the most?

A. The gregariousness of the Cuban people, the music, the weather, the food (although I get first-rate Cuban food at home!)

Q. What is the biggest misconception you encounter when people learn you are originally from Cuba?

A. That misconception is probably embedded in the comment “but you don’t look Cuban” when I mention my origin.