I think I took a bit of a leap when I went right out of my comfort zone and headed to India *grin. I've investigated Mexico and Morocco as well and I learnt alot about spices, herbs etc. My samosas are to die for!

There used to be a show called Get Fresh and this Jason guy regularly had guests from all over the world cooking real dishes (not aussie versions iykwim) so I got a lot of confidence watching them, then doing it myself. There are heaps of shows on Foxtel now, maybe you can find one you like?