The wise man would have taken the clerk’s words with a little more caution: “I recommend the full insurance plan.” It is normal for businesses to try and tack on additional packages so as to maximize their profits but in this particular case, we recognized her words not as some ploy but rather as sincere advice. Standing in front of her were three American tourists under the age of 21 (most rental car agencies require drivers to be at least 25 years old), clothed in gym shorts and T-shirts, and poised with a demeanor that revealed our own misgivings about the situation. We quickly glanced at each other giving a conciliatory nod and then proceeded to sign the contract. Before we walked out of the office, I lamented over the fact that none of us knew how to drive a manual car and that we were going to attempt to fit three more people into a European coupe. I asked God to help us because I had heard that he prays for idiots most.
Our first true test took place not too far from the front desk. The parking lot, which resembled a glorified walk-way more than anything else, was lined with identical, compact cars. We hopped into the first one. My friend Steve volunteered to drive, arguing that watching his dad drive stick was the closest anyone came to any practical experience with manual cars. Drew and I consented, albeit sadly. Fraught with reservations and a tangled stomach, I watched from the passenger seat as Steve turned the ignition key and then proceeded to put the car in first gear. We literally jumped forward, coming within a few feet of the wall in front of us. The next logical step was to put the car in reverse; however, being that Steve was obviously unfamiliar with the gears, a huge problem confronted us. Trial and error certainly has its benefits but in some situations, a different approach should be employed, especially when the costs of an error involve smashing the front of a car into a concrete wall. Nevertheless, we decided to play the risky game. I...