manual

An automatic transmission can never provide the satisfaction of a manual. Accelerating through 5 perfect shifts brings a satisfaction all it's own. It's a constant challenge, even after years of practice, getting that perfect timing and foot pressure that allows you to pop the clutch when engine rpm exactly matches clutch rpm for a smooth powerful shift that feels better than an automatic. The perfect downshift is much more challenging I think, but I'm working on it. The trick is giving it a little extra gas just before the shift, and then completing the shift just as as the engine revs up to the target rpm for the lower gear. Step on it too much, and the engine will rev up too fast to complete the shift without a jerk forward. Not enough, and you'll get a nice backward jerk, which is the last thing you need right before trying to pass or climb a steep hill. It's a very delicate balance.
The point here is that you can get a lot out of life by exploring the complexities and intricacies of things we consider to be very ordinary. Or something like that. I love my manual transmission. That's the point.