Houma: The Heartbeat of Bayou Country

• HelloHééé
  [hey]
• GoodbyeAurevoir
  [oh-re-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [naw]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shay-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh sher]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay dehm-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo ay luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-drehss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Houma was inhabited by the Houma people, a Native American tribe. The tribe's name means 'red,' a reference to the native red clay along the riverbanks. The Houma people were known for their fishing and hunting skills, thriving in the marshy wetlands of Louisiana.

In the early 18th century, French explorers and settlers began to move into the region. The rich natural resources and strategic location along the waterways made it an attractive area for colonization. The French established trade with the Houma people and began to cultivate the land.

After France ceded Louisiana to Spain in 1762, Houma fell under Spanish control. Spanish rule brought new architecture, customs, and governance to the area. This period saw the construction of several key infrastructure projects and the introduction of Spanish legal and agricultural practices.

In 1803, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France in the Louisiana Purchase. This monumental event brought Houma into the fold of American expansion. The new American governance encouraged settlement and development in the region, leading to increased economic activity.

During the 19th century, Houma became an integral part of the plantation economy of the South. The fertile lands were ideal for the cultivation of sugarcane and cotton. This period also saw the rise of large plantations and the tragic reality of slavery, which played a significant role in the region's economic framework.

Houma, like much of the South, was deeply affected by the Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction era. The war disrupted the plantation economy, and the post-war period brought significant social and economic changes. Freed slaves sought new livelihoods, and the economy shifted towards industry and commerce.

The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century transformed Houma into an industrial hub. The region saw an influx of workers and rapid economic growth. This industrial boom led to the development of infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, fundamentally changing the city's landscape.

Throughout its history, Houma has been a cultural melting pot, influenced by Native American, French, Spanish, African, and American traditions. This rich tapestry is evident in the local cuisine, music, and festivals. The city is known for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, and zydeco music.

Today, Houma is a thriving community that honors its historical roots while embracing modernity. It is known for its unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic vitality. Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy local music and food, and experience the warm hospitality that defines Houma.

Houma is located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The nearest major airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), approximately 60 miles northeast of Houma. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Houma, which typically takes about 1.5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a Greyhound bus from New Orleans to Houma.

Houma is a small city, and many attractions are easily accessible by car. Local taxi services and ride-share options like Uber and Lyft are available. Houma also has a limited public transit system operated by Good Earth Transit, which offers bus routes connecting key areas within the city. For those wishing to explore the surrounding bayous and wetlands, renting a car is highly recommended.

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Houma. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting rural areas where card payment options may be limited.

Houma is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's wise to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, particularly in neighborhoods like Mechanicville and the East Side, which have higher crime rates. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are not visible.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Houma has several medical facilities, including Terrebonne General Medical Center. For non-urgent health issues, there are numerous pharmacies available. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For local police assistance, visit the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially in the hot and humid summer months. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or religious events. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Cajun and Creole cuisine. Don't be afraid to ask locals for restaurant recommendations.

To experience Houma like a local, visit the downtown area where you can find local shops and restaurants. Participate in local festivals such as the Houma Mardi Gras or the Voice of the Wetlands Festival. Don't miss exploring the bayous and wetlands; consider taking a guided swamp tour. Engage with locals at the weekly farmers' market for fresh produce and handmade goods.