Martinique - Bananas on the Runway

Back in November of 1992, I spent a week at Club Med in Martinique—a trip that felt less like a quiet island escape and more like being swept into a whirl of activity, laughter, and a touch of chaos. Unlike my later travels that revolved around beaches or a single pursuit, this one was all about the Club Med atmosphere: structured fun mixed with spontaneous craziness, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people.

Days started innocently enough, usually with sailing, snorkeling, or a round of beach volleyball under the Caribbean sun. But by afternoon, the energy shifted. The staff—always eager to stir things up—organized games, contests, and surprise events that seemed designed to get everyone laughing, cheering, or occasionally making fools of themselves. It was impossible not to get swept along.

Evenings were a whole different world. The communal dinners turned into social marathons, often stretching into themed parties, dance floors, and late-night antics. Costumes appeared, limbo contests broke out, and one night I remember a conga line that seemed to wind endlessly through the open-air bar. Sleep was optional, but camaraderie was guaranteed.

The wildest story, though, came at the end. As I was preparing to fly home, a banana farmers’ strike erupted. In protest, they actually dumped truckloads of bananas on the airport runway, effectively shutting it down. No planes could land or take off, and I found myself calling my boss to explain I’d be a couple of days late—not because of bad weather or mechanical delays, but because the runway was literally covered in bananas. It was equal parts frustrating and hilarious, and it turned the trip into a legend I still tell.

Looking back, that week in Martinique stands out as one of the wildest, most carefree travel experiences I’ve had. It wasn’t about deep exploration or even rest—it was about being thrown into a temporary community where every day carried the promise of new friendships, shared adventures, and a bit of delightful chaos, right down to the banana-slicked ending.