From Old Havana to the World: An Intimate Journey on “Moving Countries 101”
This week on Moving Countries 101, podcast host Clare Kay welcomes a remarkable guest, Shane Batista, whose journey from the streets of Cuba to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain is nothing short of extraordinary. Born and raised in Old Town Havana, Cuba, Shane takes listeners on an intimate and raw journey through her life experiences, sharing stories that are both heartfelt and revealing.
Growing up amidst the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of Havana, Shane discovered early on the stark difference between being a traveller and a tourist—insights she now passionately shares. As a teenager, she navigated the clandestine world of Havana’s underground economy, mingling with tourists in the hidden corners of Havana’s paladares (underground restaurants) and peddling contraband cigars. Her resistance to becoming an informant for the authorities led to her being labelled a “danger to society.” Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.
Shane’s story took a remarkable turn when an observant American recognized her potential and offered her an opportunity to study in the American Culture Language Program in Los Angeles. Leaving Cuba with only a backpack and $20, she set out on a journey that would reshape her life in ways she never imagined.
Despite working hard to secure her green card in the U.S., Shane opens up for the first time on this episode about how her life took a dramatic turn down a “really bad path.” She shares her raw and unfiltered experiences, describing how life in America challenged her but ultimately “built me up and made me the person I am now.” She reflects on how the U.S. shaped her into the strong, self-reliant person she is today, from being a young woman without family in the U.S., confronting the stark realities of living without health insurance, to finding solace in the catharsis of art.
Now having spent more time outside of Cuba than she did growing up there, Shane pays tribute to the influential matriarchs in her life and recounts the emotional reunion with her mother after eight years apart. Her story is marked by moments of courage and defiance: from speaking up to her mother at just eight years old, saying, “It’s him or me,” to asserting her dignity when applying for a chef position in Spain by refusing to send a photo of herself in makeup and declaring, “I’m not applying for a modelling agency.”
Her journey has been shaped not only by the highs and lows of forging a new life in different countries but also by the kindness and love Shane has encountered along the way. For her, home has come to mean the people she is blessed with rather than a specific place. She shares about Prida, her “absolute legend” of a dog, whose companionship she still cherishes and misses profoundly.
Looking forward, she dreams of settling in Oaxaca, Mexico, a place where she envisions continuing her journey of self-discovery and connection. Her philosophy of being a traveller—exploring new places solo, engaging deeply with locals, and experiencing the freedom of travelling alone—has become a defining aspect of her identity.
Join Clare Kay and her guest for an episode that is as much about survival and transformation as it is about the beauty of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. This is a journey not just across borders, but deep into the heart of what it means to be a traveller in this world.
About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:
Moving Countries 101 is a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives and experiences of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe. Hosted by Clare Kay, the podcast aims to inspire and inform listeners and viewers about the challenges and rewards of living a life in different countries.
It’s a must-follow for anyone who is interested in or is planning on living and working overseas.
Podcast Links:
You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here (don’t forget to like and follow!):
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj
YouTube
