Mosquitoes and Ricky the Raccoon: A Time Was Had in Tulum!!!!

Picture this: a luxury treehouse resort nestled in the jungle, mosquitoes with a personal vendetta, and a raccoon named Ricky who won't take "YAHHH" for an answer. Welcome to our unforgettable family adventure celebrating our twin boys' 21st birthday in Tulum, Mexico!

What began as a carefully planned celebration quickly transformed into a series of hilarious mishaps and unexpected delights. The mosquitoes might have feasted on us that first night (until we discovered our miracle solution: Trader Joe's lemongrass oil mixed with natural bug spray), but nothing could dampen our spirits as we explored ancient Mayan ruins, plunged into crystal-clear cenotes, and created soul train lines with restaurant staff and Scottish tourists alike.

The beauty of this particular trip wasn't just in Tulum's stunning scenery or the environmental consciousness woven through the city (sidewalks curve around trees rather than removing them). It was watching our boys transition fully into young adulthood before our eyes. Gone were the limitations of previous family vacations – instead, we shared shots, created wine tastings from local grocery store finds, and laughed together as equals. When your usually reserved son suddenly starts dancing in public for the first time since kindergarten, you know something magical is happening.

Throughout our journey, we found ourselves embraced by locals who appreciated our genuine interest in their culture and customs. From our extraordinary guide Ebert who brought Chichen Itza to life, to Barbara at Onyx who surprised us with fire dancers on a night they weren't scheduled, the warmth of the people matched the tropical climate. Even during a brief power outage (common in developing Tulum), we simply adjusted our plans and created new memories.

If you're seeking a destination that perfectly balances luxury and authenticity, where you can be pampered one moment and immersed in local culture the next, Tulum awaits. Just remember to pack that lemongrass oil – and maybe learn how to say "Go away, Ricky" in Spanish. Your adventure of a lifetime might look entirely different than you planned, but as we discovered, those unexpected moments become the stories you'll tell for years to come.

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