Saute onion and celery with olive oil in your large stock pot.
On low, add carrots, garlic and herbs and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Stirring a lot.
Add ham, sweet pepper, and potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
Stirring mixture to ensure nothing burns.
Add chicken broth and water to pot and turn heat to high.
When soup is almost boiling, turn soup down to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add corn and bacon and continue to simmer 30 minutes more.
Just before serving, add whipping cream.