That's a good question. I want to say start with python 2.6 and get the fundamentals under your belt, but at the same time I picked up PHP right in the middle

That's a good question. I want to say start with python 2.6 and get the fundamentals under your belt, but at the same time I picked up PHP right in the middle of the transition period to PHP4. That said, my best advice would be to start with 3 and have all the new concepts right away.