My first suggestion is to head to youtube. Pipe knowledge is rather universal. Hobbiton Piper is a great person to start with, as is Timberdrifter and Muttonchop Piper.

There are many different pipe blends and types, but primarily they're split between Aromatics, English and Virginias or Virginia blends. Oriental and Balkan blends I'd consider more niche. Personally, I like Virginias and the blends therof, VA/Perique and Burley is my jam, but I'd suggest starting with Aromatics.

As for types of pipes, stick to Corncobs starting out, they're not only my personal favorite to smoke, but they're cheap and you can have one for every day of the week for not much dough. Grab a nice briar once you're sure you're into the hobby.

Then all you have to do is find a calm spot and a good book, and away you go.