Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Singing is a great way to improve your accent. That’s because there’s more to accent than just your pronunciation. Inflection – the rising and falling pitches of the voice – also has a big impact on accent. In other words, don’t worry if you can’t roll your “R”s. Rhythm and pitch are more important. I…

Night markets (夜市, ye4 shi4) are an essential part of Taiwanese culture. When visiting one of the many night markets, expect to experience a huge mix of Taiwan culture and people, all in one place. These are groups of stalls set up to sell food, drinks, clothing, and other random items, and though a few…

Because weather in Taiwan in the summer is generally very hot, many people go out at night, when it’s cooler and a little less humid. This is also a great time for tourists to go out and explore the city, but being in a strange country at night can often be intimidating, and it’s better…

Going to Taiwan in the summer? Better stuff your suitcase with t-shirts and shorts. As soon as you walk out of the airport in Taipei, you’ll understand why. Even late at night, the humidity and heat can be surprisingly intense. For first-time travelers, it can be hard to understand how anyone could live here, much…

As one of the largest and oldest cities in the world, Moscow has lots to see and do. Catch a glimpse of Moscow in this two-part video. To the throb of British house and Russian rap, the videographer takes us on a driving tour through the center of Moscow, along the Moscow River front and…

Who used to kick you under the dinner table? Whose clothes did you borrow for a night out? In other words, do you have any brothers and sisters? Listen as these French men and women respond.

Congratulations! You’ve landed in Taiwan. Now what? If you hope to travel around the island (or between Asian countries), keep these tips in mind.

Did your grandmother sit at the kitchen table for hours each Sunday, rolling dough and crimping the edges? If not, you’ve been missing out. Pastries and buns, called pirozhki (пирожки), are one of the most traditional and tastiest Russian baked goods. They come with all sorts of different breads and fillings.

There are many locations in Taiwan that allow you to both enjoy the island’s beauty while also learning about its culture. From the huge retail outlets (like the Eslite Bookstore in Taipei) to the fun and kooky theme restaurants (our favorite: the Modern Toilet restaurant), Taiwan offers plenty of attractions. Here are our top picks.