T5 Social is a lot of things, but one thing is for sure: It’s way more than just a bar and hostel. It’s vibe is more like one part summer camp, one part commune, and one part college dorm living room. It’s actually an ongoing joke that this community of expats, locals, students, and assorted oddballs that I’m a part of is kind of a cult.

And in fairness, I see the similarities that we have to a cult. There’s not many places in the world where people can just walk in off the street and participate in socratic seminars, campfire singalongs, and community potlucks. But honestly, I’m ok with that characterization. Finding a place like this is the biggest reason why I was able to feel at home and cared for more than 4000 miles from my home country.

So fuck it, I’ll drink the Koolaid. As long as it’s not poisonous.

The last picture is the community member of the month trophy, the recipient of which is chosen by vote, and that winner gets to add something to the trophy, which is why it looks like a hodgepodge of a dozen different ideas.