I have always been Jewish and nothing else. Despite a hectic rehearsal schedule, Nieto says she tried to go to synagogue every Saturday, and always went on holidays. Making aliya was fulfilling a lifetime ambition, she says, even if it meant giving up some of her star status. She says life in Israel and Cuba is very similar, and she sometimes forgets where she is. However, one difference that bothers her is that people don't smile here as often as they do in Cuba.
People smile less here.
She also notes that she misses her family and friends, but adds that she doesn't miss the life on the island. She has a sister in Ashkelon and another sister still in Havana. Though she is happy to be surrounded by Cubans at the absorption center, Nieto says she hopes to soon find her own apartment, somewhere on the water. Nieto adds that although life is far from perfect here, she doesn't regret her move. The only thing I don't do is go to the theater.