There is a Washington Slagbaai National Park on the island of Bonaire. The AirBnB host says one is not regarded as having been to Bonaire if he doesn't visit this park. For sure we'll do it!
But the problem is, the road in the park is famously rough. Our small rental car doesn't seem to be tough enough for it. So we rent a pickup. To save USD$17, we get a standard one.
This is my first time "officially" driving a standard car. I know how it works, I have experience riding a standard motorcycle, that's it.
The first challenge is I couldn't start the car! After many tries, I figure out that I have to depress the clutch when I turn the key. Tada!
The next challenge comes up quickly. To start moving. I only know the theory about releasing clutch in the same time of releasing brake and applying gas. It takes a few tries too!
On urban roads it's not easy, as I have to switch gear each time I stop and start, slow down and speed up. When we get on the highway, things become easy. Gear 5 all the way!
And it's on the countryside highway that a pickup shows its advantages. No need to slow down on small potholes. The car would just go over them at 80km/h without much bumping.
In the park there are some more challenges. I get stalled a few times on steep uphill, couldn't start. Eventually have to slowly reverse to the bottom of the hill and start again.
I also find some fun part. When there is a mild downhill, I can depress the clutch and the car goes without any resistance from the transmission. So cool.
After one full day, the fuel economy is surprisingly low: 6.5L/100km. On this island diesel is 1/3 cheaper than gasoline.