I am Lola and I am from Cuba. I like to make people laugh. I often can’t find the words in English, but I find a theatrical way to express myself especially when I’m teaching my recipes. I am passionate about Cuban food and I like teaching. I’m happy to speak Spanish in my classes and also teach some Cuban salsa moves. In Cuba I was a vet working with farm animals. I came to the UK 12 years ago to live with my daughter and her son. I only speak Spanish at home so I’ve never managed to learn English which feels very isolating when you live in a country where you can’t speak the language.

I’m 72 years old, and I’ve decided I’m determined to try to learn English. Migrateful is helping me to do that because I get to practice English with my cookery students. I came from a very poor family in Cuba so I really value every meal I eat. One of my favourite dishes to teach is called “Congrí” which has black beans and white rice. This dish is about celebrating diversity in Cuba, when white and black people mix together.