My plan was simple. I would spend one week each in three cities in the Costa del Sol region, doing my best to live like a local. Sure, I'd venture into a few touristy locations and seek out some special automotive-related places, but for the most part, I wanted to become one with each community as best I could. I chose Nerja, La Hurradura, and Marbella as my temporary homes. The first two would offer a small-town feel, while Marbella would serve as my chic upscale metropolitan location --as much as a guy from Jersey could "become one" with chic, that is.

Situated on Spain's southernmost coast, the Costa del Sol is part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. Its communities are a mixture of quant fishing villages, midsize towns, and larger cities like Malaga. The population of the Costa del Sol swells every summer as hordes of vacationers, particularly from England, make annual treks to the beautiful beaches and comfortably warm water of the Mediterranean.

What is this region like to visit in the off season? I'm about to find out. Check back in the coming days, and you can join me on the journey, spending three weeks enjoying life like the locals do in beautiful Costa del Sol.