The trifecta - the French holy grail

During the last six months we have achieved the French trifecta - the holy grail. For some people, that may have biblical significance, but for us it is all about our French life. To get one is not easy, but three is nearly impossible, particularly as a non-resident. The first we achieved with assistance of a local friend, was purchase of two vehicles, used of course, an alfa romeo break (or wagon) for every day use when we are here. We calculated what we are spending when here on rentals, and realized the purchase would pay for itself within one year. The problem is registering the vehicle. Now that we have a rental home, it definitely makes it easier. It took several visits to the Marie - the town hall, and some back and forth with additional documents, the elusive carte gris was ours. Then, with even more back and forth, forms, and questions, emails, and meetings, we have a bank account in France with the carte blu - the local debit card. Next up, the telepayage - French ezpass. Since we had the bank account, this became the easiest of the three to achieve. Now, we no longer have to play credit card roulette each time we approach a toll on the autoroute. It will change our time here in France, less stress, and feeling more like we really belong here.