One of the sort of funny things about living in Japan and traveling overseas is that when you want a phrasebook to carry with yo, you either have to plan ahead and order online or buy a Japanese one.
I never remember to order one in advance, but fortunately, we've found a clever series called "Point and Speak" that has lots of pictures labeled in Japanese and the other language. We bought one for India (Hindi) because I'd like to be able to speak a little bit.
So I'll sound out a few words as noted in the book. I wonder if anyone will think it strange that I speak Hindi with a Japanese accent?
The Point and Speak series are fantastic. We had them all through Vietnam and Thailand and Cambodia. They are easy to use even when Japanese is not your native language.
India is a very diverse country, and not all regions speak Hindi. Infact, they take offense if you speak in Hindi to them in the South like in Chennai or Kerela(God's own country), though you may not go as south as that? They prefer their own languages or English. Or that was my experience. :-)) However, Delhi and Agra without Hindi is like a minefield for getting ripped!
Hindi is for the Northern regions and if you make it to Goa or Banglore, switch to English!
:-)) I can help you with your pronounciations, if you need help, and if they are words i already know. My HIndi is a bit rusty though from disuse..
I hope we can meet for that jazz drink before you and Todd leave. And I would like to add "Regina Spektor's Fidelity" to the Creative play list if it is not already there? Please let me know.