AOL Latino
LatinoBlogsFrom Celebrating our Big 50 in The Big Easy
To being GLAAD in The Big Apple
(Eduardo Xol)
New Orleans has made a lot of progress. At the very least you can see and feel the changes in and around the French Quarter. Do you remember the images of all of the people trying to find refuge on the bridges around the city? Here is one of the bridges with a view of the city in the background. We built a house for a family as well as a church for a community so we were crossing the bridge daily.
(Eduardo Xol)
The church was in New Orleans proper and was surrounded by cemeteries. Honestly, it was a little creepy! It reminded me of a real life scene out of a scary movie! They can't bury people underground because of the water table and flooding so they are in crypts. Take a look at these pictures.
(Both photos: Eduardo Xol )
Working around the dead during the day made us want to really come alive at night. The French Quarter was bustling with energy so we went out to eat often. My favorite restaurant was NOLA's. After dinner, we would try and find some good music to dance to and work off our food! Here I am with great friend Paige Hemmis out on the town one of the nights after dinner.
(Eduardo Xol)
It's actually funny that they call it the French Quarter since it was the Spanish who built it! One can see the influence in the architecture everywhere you go! I love the details in the design of the ironwork. 
(Eduardo Xol)
On one of the final nights, the Hard Rock Café threw the designers and crew a great party at the Hard Rock near the French Quarter. Here is a picture of me with Denise Cramsey, our Executive Prodcuer, and Tracy Hutson, a fellow designer who I adore. Denise and I started the show together four years ago and she is moving on to new ventures after this year. Denise, I adore you and will miss you but I won't be far away! ;)
(Eduardo Xol)
There are many musicians that form part of Extreme Makeover Home Edition so they all got together and formed a band. Along with many of the contractors assisting on this project, they formed a group they called Extreme Band! Check them out jamming at the Hardrock! See Ed Sanders on harmonica and Paul Dimeo on banjo? They actually sounded pretty good! 
(Eduardo Xol)
This was a very emotional show since we knew many of us would not be working together again. It's the end of the 50 states and, for many, the end of their careers with Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I have made some great friends on my journey. One of the Producers of the show, and one of my very best friends, Herb Ankrom, flew in from a trip to Australia to celebrate the last episode with the designers and crew.
(Eduardo Xol)
Well, before I was able to head home to Los Angeles, I flew to NYC to attend and be a presenter at the GLAAD awards. As usual, I stayed at The Chambers Hotel and was treated with the best of Hospitality. Here I am sitting next to my good friend Krissy Lindquist, who accompanied me to the awards. 
(Eduardo Xol)
I talked about a new program that GLAAD has developed to promote tolerance and acceptance of all people in the media regardless of sexual preference and orientation. Speaking with me on stage was Academy Award Winning Director and Producer Cynthia Wade. 
(Eduardo Xol)
Well, now that I am done with the 50 states you would think I will be staying home for a while, right? WRONG! A few more trips I already had planed, but then I should be able to settle into Los Angeles for a while soon!
Stay tuned...
Eduardo
Engadget
Autoblog
TMZ
1. Eduardo, I am so glad to see a new blog up so soon!
I am even more glad to see the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team got to go to New Orleans and work their magic there. Such an amazing city, only made better by all of you amazing people!
Looks like you had a blast while in New Orleans... wish we your fans could've been there.
P.S. Tracy Hutson looks great.
Apr 8th 2008 | 7:13PM | Gloria Lucia