I took my children to school by plane

I was born in Paris in 1927. I studied fine arts. I was enlisted as a paratrooper in the army. I went to Africa, and I lived there for forty years. I worked as the bodyguard of a minister. I lived an adventurous life, both as a soldier and civilian. My biggest passion was hunting, especially in the sea. I used to dive down to 39 meters. I hunted elephants.

I came to French Polynesia on duty, and I liked being here very much and decided to settle down. I got married and I had two children, but then my wife left me because she didn't want to live here. In 1975, I bought this place in which I have been living since. In those days, I made my living as a painter and sculptor. I've met and married a wonderful woman who designs jewellery. Since my kids were living with us and there was no school in Morea, (with my wife's insistence) I bought a plane, and for ten years, I used it to carry my children to school in Papete.

I am a lucky man - I have achieved everything that I wanted in my life. One of my paintings was awarded in an art competition in France and exhibited at Louvre.

My only regret is hunting. I killed elephants, and elephants are very smart and wonderful animals. I am very sorry for killing them.
In Africa, I was free and powerful; I did whatever I wanted to whenever I wanted. In French Polynesia, I don't have such power and freedom, but all in all, it is a very beautiful country, and I have been very happy to live here.

Allen Kerebel
Moorea Island, French Polynesia, 21 October 2018