Cooking Abroad

We don't usually think much about cooking ingredients (or cooking, for that matter) when travelling abroad.  But hunting for items we know how to use and finding substitutes - that may or may not work :-S - can be one of the most rewarding experiences! 
I've experimented with changing several old favorites in Costa Rica, and *loved* the results!  I've also had a few disasters...
Recently, someone sent this link on ingredient replacements in France - well, it's interesting reading for me, anyway :-).