Ramblin' Along Las Ramblas

The destination and dates are booked: it’s off to Barcelona, Spain in September. Located on the Mediterranean Sea on Spain’s eastern coastline, Barcelona is the country’s second biggest city and “one of the coolest places on Earth,” according to Lonely Planet.

The city combines a sunny Mediterranean climate with classic urban style common in Western Europe. In terms of art and architecture, it is the land of Picasso, Gaudi and Dali. Legend has it that Barcelona -- founded by the Carthaginians about 200 years before the time of Christ -- was named after Hamilcar Barca, the father of Hannibal.

Will likely take the tour to nearby Montserrat (below), a mountain of unique round rock pillars molded by the elements from limestone, pebbles and sand that once was submerged beneath the sea. A Benedictine monastery -- one of the most important shrines in Spain -- is wedged into the side of this mystical mountain.

The cove beaches of Costa Brava await to the north of Barcelona. The “rugged coast” offers some of the most spectacular stretches of sand and sea in all of Spain. Close to the coast, the city of Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dali, a leader of the surrealist movement in art who also delved into the world of sculpture, film and photography.

One of the top architectural attractions in the entire country will be located mere blocks from my hotel, the Axel Barcelona. The La Sagrada Familia -- an otherworldly temple that remains a work in progress nearly 80 years after the death of its creator, Antoni Gaudi -- is among the world’s more ethereal structures.

Also located close by is Spain’s most famous street: La Rambla. With narrow traffic lanes and plane trees, La Rambla is a busy pedestrian boulevard packed everyday with tourists and locals alike, making it a popular spot for “entrepreneurs” of all stripes, including pickpockets. Well, forewarned is forearmed, I suppose.