How long does it take for one to learn hindi in India??
Before answering your question, I have read all the postings before me, so whatever written there, my response is considering those views as well. The Language "Hindi" is not difficult at all, even by staying here and not having proper learning, you can atleast speak and understand Hindi very well in 3 months times, if you are serious about it. Still, if you have thought of learning it properly, you must take proper coaching to learn and enjoy the richness and beauty of the language thoroughly. To learn Hindi in its appropriate accent and stay at a place, safe and cheap, you should select a destination in North India, preferably in and around Delhi. In Delhi, you get all budget places to stay ( avoid Paharganj in Delhi) and the cost of living is quite subsidised matching the quality of life, when compared to most of other places. Delhi is called mini India and you get all domestic and international tastes, colours, shades, flavours......in Delhi. The place is extremely well connected with rest of India/World by all possible modes of transport and communication. Medical and other facilities are latest and available 24x7. A few words for better stay, if possible try wearing local dresses - they are very nice, economic and suits everyone. Develop taste for local food - you can always adjust the levels of spices and cooking oils. Drink sealed bottled water with ISI or FPO mark. Delhi has severity of weather in peak of its seasons, So have suitable clothing during your stay. Don't flaunt your travel documents and cash in public. Seek police assistance, even speaking to the Commissioner of Police, if needed -don't hesitate. Avoid Pre-conceived bad notions, if any, and follow the famous phrase - Do as the Romans do in Rome. Have a comfortable stay and happy learning.
If you get a chance to go abroad, what country will you choose?
I love travelling and I am staying outside of my home country of India now. It really feels good for short term, however long time stay will take a lot of commitment and compromise.Though every country has its own beauty and charm, I would certainly love to visit New Zealand to see the landscapes and the nature. Next would be Greece, to spend time at the Mediterranean. Then I would choose Mexico for frolic and fun.In case you want to follow me, please visit my travel site: bhanuprakashparappa.
If you had to recommend a place in your country ....?
A foreign tourist asks you to recommend one (just ONE) place (town, cultural or natural monument, ...) in your country ... which one would you recommend and why? Just one!
Health insurance question-?
http://www.cobrahealth.com/ Has many answers for you. My understanding is COBRA ends after 18 months. However, that is long enough to use HIPPA (see above site) to get insurance elsewhere. The BC/BS organizations are independent, so it is hard to generalize. Overall I'd say they're among the best plans. If I could get insurance, I'd consider BC/BS first most likely. After that, I'd actually ask my primary doctor's office manager/biller what top 3 companies he'd recommend and investigate from there. A site such as http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ can get you multiple quotes--and you can read plan descriptions. I'd encourage you to look at HSA policies, and you can do that through ehealth. http://www.opm.gov/hsa/ has some info on that for you. Thank God for no health issues. Do everything you can to stay that way and keep your insurance. I can not encourage you too much to do all you can to make sure YOU decide if you keep the policy or not--better to do individual rather than group related to employment as you can become beholden to employer which is dangerous AND the way you're treated by the insurance can be different if you NEED benefits. (ERISA is basically a nightmare piece of legislation.) Definitely make sure you do an AUTOMATIC PAY for the policy--don't let them have an excuse to drop you. Do your preventive medical care as well. Read this: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/nov2007/db20071120_397008.htm You might want to also read this: http://www.booklocker.com/books/3068.html (Read the PDF). I like that and the rest of the book, but politicians and such I've emailed that to won't touch it. Remember better than half of all bankruptcies are because of medical bills AND most of those folks had insurance. Choose wisely--and make sure the company is solid--can't have THEM go belly up.