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iStock image by Wild Orchid
International J ourneys for People who Love to Drive and Read about Driving

France,

England,

Germany

Installing France's elevated urinals must be one of the
joys of the plumbing profession. istock image tupangato

La VieEst Bele Driving in France
l
!

Life is Beautiful-- the phrase is an expression of a new era,
representing a choice to break free from convention, to create
your own path to happiness.

Our member David Swanger did exactly that and a little more
on his unique road trip through France.

Awhile back, while planning a trip
to France, I was excited by the
prospect of reserving a rental car
with a manual transmission. Why?
Because I can?t drive a car with an
automatic.

Well-- I actually can operate one, but

it?s not really ?driving?is it? It?s more like
riding. Without a proper transmission,
how can a vehicle be precisely
controlled?

And what about engine braking?

What about coasting down long hills?
What about carefully adjusting your
speed when behind a farm tractor,
waiting for the exact moment the traffic
clears, then downshifting and roaring
around it onto the open road ahead?

W hat about fun?

Ahh-- so much to look forward to, driving a
genuine European sports sedan, on a
genuine European road. First things first
Above: Roses grace a wall alongside a walkway in France. though - it?s been a lengthy flight, and it?s
Story and images by NBCC member David Swanger time get off the plane.
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