People only drive manuals here if they have to/can't afford an automatic. I think it might be a status symbol thing, or maybe they like only having to use one foot and one hand at a time. (or one knee if you're doing your make up, apparently)

I was introduced to driving on a manual, but only drove it in the pasture where it was safe to uh, fail ;D I haven't driven one on a road, but I think I could probably do it!

There's a bit of fun to be had with automatics where you match your speed and know your car to make it drive in the desired gear. Not as much fun though.