I've only ever seen one automatic transmission car in my life. That was ~15 years ago. Otherwise everyone I've ever met drives a manual. I'm probably going to take up driving lessons sometime next year (I didn't do that at 18, there was really no need until now when I want to go into obscure places away from mass transport to shoot some photos), and I'll also choose to drive a manual, simply to keep the skill and be able to drive other people's cars. Outside of that, I don't care.