Ahh, the column manual. I got my licence in a 3 speed one.
I enjoy driving a manual but voted auto solely on stop-start heavy city traffic. My clutch foot gets worn out.
Also, had a big/heavy 7 seater four wheel drive until a couple of years ago. Gears were great for out in the bush but a real pain if stopped at lights on a steep incline with a car right up your khyber.
The car I have now is auto with sports shift. At least I control when the gear automatically changes.