Sparks fly (South Africa, Day 2)

Still suffering from jet lag, but must make friends. Today, we also realized that we must rent a car. Unfortunately, I still don't have a driver's license, so Jean is our de facto driver. So I did all the calling to reserve the car -- and not only do South Africans drive on the RIGHT side of the road, they also laugh at you when you ask for an automatic instead of a manual.

ME

Is this car stick shift? Because we want an automatic with power steering.

CAR RENTER

Stick shift? What's that?? Is that manual??

ME

Oh yeah. That's the term.

CAR RENTER

[audible laughter, and then to his buddy in the next cubicle] 

Hey, this American wants an automatic car! 

[more audible laughter from both of them]

ME

...So is that a no?

CAR RENTER

Darling, we can get you an automatic car, but it's three times the price.

ME

Oh. Never mind, we'll take the manual. We'll figure it out.

CAR RENTER

You guys are gonna burn through my clutch, yeah?

ME

Maybe, but that's why we're getting full insurance!!

CAR RENTER
Oy.