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Where am I and What's Happening Now?
As I begin to write this, I come to you from a regional jet traveling from Bangor, Maine to Philadelphia on my way to Chicago for the night before I go back home to Los Angeles. Phew! I must admit that a few days ago I felt a longing to sleep in my own bed!! I miss my humble home!!But if there was anyplace to be over the course of the last weeks, it should have been exactly where we were. MAINE! It is truly one of the most, if not the most, beautiful states in this nation of ours.
I shared a trailer with Johnnie Littlefield and they put us right in front of the water. This is the view from our window.
I mean really??? Can you believe it? When I wasn't working on set, in the house or on camera, I was looking at this view. It was truly spectacular.
It was a challenging week as we battled rain and mud and we were in a remote part of Maine where volunteers and skilled workers were scarce but, nevertheless, very hard working. In the end we were able to deliver the house on time and a beautiful house it was!
I became friends with new people, became closer friends with people I already loved, and had a wonderful time on the show. On the last day, neighbors from the area brought the crew a homemade fresh lobster meal. Look at these lobsters!!
The menu consisted of freshly boiled lobster caught that day, corn on the cob, steaks, fresh buttered buns, salad, cole slaw, chocolate dipped fresh strawberries, fresh blueberry pie, and home made carrot cake. It was a gastronomic fantasy and we enjoyed and appreciated every minute of it! A big thank you to the community who treated us so well. Here is a picture of many of the crew enjoying the meal.
I have a special connection to MAINE. I met my Director of Design, Jason Carrier on my last visit to Maine. To learn more about Jason go to http://xoldesign.com/home.htm and click on TEAM. He is the second picture up top. This trip is the second time I have come to this beautiful state. Although the leaves were gently beginning to change colors, we were a few weeks early to really see the autumn show. We may be back in the New England area soon. Hopefully the leaves will still be turning. If not, I will be back again. Maine, I love you!
Europe 2007
Now I understand where Gaudi and Dali found their inspiration...Barcelona!! What a beautiful city. Of all of the places that I have traveled to and it hasn't been much really, so far Barcelona is in my top 5 destinations next to San Francisco, Guanajuato, Venice, Rio de Janeiro and Tuscany.
I decided to hire a private guide my first full day in town to give me an introduction to the city. Since I was only going to be there for four days, I felt that a proper introduction was in order.
Armando gave me a very entertaining and educational tour that I was then able to use as base for my walks in the coming days. I'm hoping to get his info soon so I can let everyone who wants his services know how to get a hold of him. We visited the Gaudi Cathedral, Sagreda Familia.
I have so much to say about this marvelous piece of art, but you should really just do a search online if interested in knowing about this spectacular site or, better yet...save your money and travel to Europe!!! You will never regret or forget it!
I will say that the one piece of information that struck me the most about the cathedral was the fact that gaudi paid homage to Jesus' Jewish roots as he created two vignettes: one about his first visit to a Jewish temple with the Rabbis and the second in paying homage to the rite of his circumcision. After all, Jesus was a Jewish man. I feel that if our religious education took more time to show the commonalities we all share with our religions, that there would be much less of a reason to fight over ideology. Wow...I didn't expect this blog to get so heavy!! Back to Barcelona...
During the time I was there, I walked all day, ate so well at night, danced and drank with the stars, including partying in an amazing club inside an old castle with friends I was traveling with and new friends as well.
I slept late into the am in my amazing suite overlooking the city, and relaxed in-between all of our activities by the pool soaking in the Iberia sun. There is so much for me to say about this
beautiful place, but if you really want to know more about my travels or my experience in Barcelona, write to me at info@eduardoxol.com
One of the places I had lunch at was the café above the Dali museum.
Look at the view behind me! It was located at the center of the Gothic neighborhood. What struck me the most about Barcelona was the fact that people took the time to STOP...and chat...and drink coffee...and smoke...and eat...and discuss and argue politics and philosophy. People slowed down and stopped. My previous sentence does not advocate caffeine or tobacco, but...what really causes us heart attacks in this country?? Is it really too much coffee cigarettes and fatty food or is it stress because we don't take a break. My biggest lesson in Europe: SLOW DOWN!!! More on Europe and my next destination in part III in my next blog.
Tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month
I continue to honor my Hermanos Hispanos during Hispanic Heritage Month here in the US. Mexican Independence Day came and went on Septmeber 16th as I was finishing a house in Maine, but nevertheless, I thought about my heritage and the heritage of all of my Hispanic friends around the country. I have many Hispanic friends and I respect them highly! The next four Hispanos are people I am so happy to call my friends and proud to call my colleagues on
Extreme Makeover:Home Edition.
Dixiana Rubio is the Associate Producer on one of the teams. A Cubana from Miami, she is one of the few that I will converse with in Spanish hoping not to offend all those around us who don't know what we're saying. They think we're talking about them, and we are, but we say we aren't. Just kidding...kind of! Amongst her responsibilities is making sure the designers are taken care of as well as managing the press on site. Besides working on the show, Dixie is a fine artist in her own rite. She is a great painter actually!
Yolanda Shavies has recently started heading up our craft services department on this team. She previously worked for our catering department, but now it means that she keeps snacks and fun original recipes going to keep our tummies happy at all times so that whenever anyone is hungry, there is food. She is of Dominican descent and hails from Atlanta. She has a gorgeous daughter and always works with a smile full of love!
Steve Ponce, or "Steve-O" as we all affectionately call him, is one that I admire for his tenacity. He went form Security to Key Set Production Assistant in two years. He is 25 years old of Mexican descent. He resides in Pasadena. To him I say Bravo! I wish you the best, you have my support and keep pushing as you should. You deserve it!
Mi Querido Juan! He is the "Move That Bus" guy! You will always see me going to the window of the bus to give him a high five before it is time to bring the family home. A proud husband and father of three kids, Juan drives the bus from one location to the other during the entire season. He also does it with a smile on his face.
To these people I tilt my sombrero downward in an act of respect because I am lucky and blessed enough to have them be, not only part of my team on Extreme Makeover Home Edition, but also part of my Hermanos Hispanos during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Salud,
Eduardo
Engadget
Autoblog
TMZ
1. Hola Eduardo!
Que bien q hayas disfrutado de Barcelona. Yo soy de España y Bcn nunca la he podido visitar, te escribire a tu direccion para q me cuentes todo, q quiero ir en octubre, asi me recomiendas q sitios.
Te escribo y ya hablamos q tngo cosas q contarte!!
saludos!
Sep 21st 2007 | 12:23PM | MAS