If it's a piston trainer, chances are the blade is advancing over your right shoulder (main rotor blades turning counter-clockwise).
Spot turns - less drama using the "power pedal" - the pedal which increases tail rotor thrust, countering/overcoming main rotor torque.
Money no object, I agree with SAS - I'd choose in this order: Bell 47, Schweizer 300, Enstrom 280, Bell 206, Robinson R44, Robinson R22. I think an hour in a helicopter is better than a half-hour, but I'd only choose the R22 if there were no other options.
And don't worry about gibbering - you'll be doing a lot more of it after your first flight...