Waiting line - ¿El ultimo?

In Cuba, clocks are ticking to a different, more slowly and leisurely beat. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of things in Cuba seem so different and quite confusing for tourists who meet them for the first time. One widespread phenomenon in Cuba is the waiting queue – the famous „cola“.

Who is last in this line or queue? This customary »¿El ultimo?« phrase can be heard everywhere in Cuba. Cubans stand in line often, and when they join a line or queue, they usually do it by asking ¿El ultimo? to find out who is the last person arrived. In their turn, each person will be asked the same thing when somebody else arrives.

Lining up before a bank...

Lines or queues appear as good as anywhere, whether it’s a bank, an ATM, a bus stop, or even in front of stores. How should one behave? The best way is to imitate Cubans and ask politely who the last in line is – best done in a loud and clear voice: ¿El ultimo? Once you’ve asked, you should remember who that last person is, so that you know to keep your place. This is even more important since Cubans don‘t usually stay in one neat line while queuing, but tend to spread out in search of a conversation partner, or in order to find a place in the shade.

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