Driving a Stick Shift on the Autobahn

There is nothing more exasperating than learning to drive a "stick." I remember my first encounter with a stick. It was in a 1978 Renault Alliance. However, the only drawback was that the clutch mechanism was located on a column instead of on the floor. But I was determined to give it a try. And since my local surroundings didn't provide me with enough room for my endeavors I figured I'd take a cruise on the autobahn. I figured if I put myself in a life and death situation by driving on the autobahn then perhaps I'd learn how to operate the stick shift. However, it almost didn't turn out that way. I was fine when I merged onto the autobahn but I was lousy when I tried to shift gears on it. So bad was my operation of the vehicle that I nearly stalled and came to a complete stop. Luckily, I regained control and continued on my cruise. Thus, I drove out of sight in total mastery of the stick. Next week it's skydiving!