I've always driven stick, right from the start. I find automatics disorienting. I can drive them, but it feels like I'm not really driving. George H. you are so right! Despite being a stick fan, I've got to admit they're a drag in heavy stop and go traffic.

One of the times I went to Ireland, I rented a car for half the time (just a few things we couldn't work with transit). Anyhow, there was a mix up on the date. No big deal, but they wanted to offer an upgrade to a little bit larger car and automatic. I said, "nah, little's great and definitely a shift. They joked, "Are you sure you're an american?" LOL! For any who might not realize, it is not only driving on the other side of the road-- in driving from the other side of the car, you're shifting leftie. Totally adjusted right away. Except for ONE thing. I kept looking up outside the window for the rearview mirror. Hahaha!