@ choco - don't be so harsh on LP..i can sense that beneath those posts is a warm, caring human being..it's just that am finding it hard to comprehend what he's saying and already am being told by you and brit to brush him off.. 8-)

..would the fact that i might try to start learning the automatic in Doha makes the transition be more difficult..?..fyi - been used to KSA brand of driving, i.e., on a stick shift...