Houmas House and Return to Houston

Thursday morning and it is time to leave the Provincial Hotel and drive towards Houston.  This has been a great little hotel- very helpful staff, and has the flavour of the French Quarter.  We have breakfast at the little Cafe D'Or around the corner - perfect croissants etc and some interesting decor.

I take a last shot of one of the local houses just opposite - getting the sense of the quarter.

After settling up we drive up the Mississippi to Houmas House which was one of the largest plantations in its time.  300,000 acres, first an indigo plantation and then sugar.  

It is very large and gracious looking and has a lot of interesting historical features.  There were over 400 slaves working there in its time and then after the war some of them became share farmers.  This part of the history is brushed over during the tour which was conducted by in-period dressed guides.  He told me a lot of it was politically incorrect now.  I said it is important that we know the politically incorrect parts of the history so that we do know how not to behave in the future.  

Collection of ornaments

 Tapestry done by the ladies to teach them patience.

The circular staircase

This photo is looking out toward the Mississippi but now has the large levee in front so you cant see the river itself.  There used to be 18 oaks lining the driveway down to the river, and now only 4.  The gardens are beautiful - fountains, birds and so on.

We also ate at the restaurant there before driving on to our lovely hotel in Houston.

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and eating out at Pappadeaux.  This was my mixed seafood kebabs!

Good night.