Zora Padjen

English teacher of teens who travels, laughs, and tries to get into shape.

I chose the name "Zora Travels" because both Zora Neal Hurston and Zora Padjen (my great-grandmother) infuse my life with their thirst for travel and adventure.

I will drizzle on this blog a little about my experience as a 34 year old traveler, friend, and high school teacher.

"Zora" is not my real name but since there is that one student who would stumble upon my blog and find it quite hysterical, I've employed an alias.

The short and not-so-skinny (literally):

I grew up in small towns in Washington (the state) until I was 12. Moved to Long Beach and graduated from UC Berkeley in '99. Traveled in Europe. Returned and became a high school English teacher in urban LA schools.

Married the love of my life, Daniel, in July of '09. About to have our first baby in September of '10. I plan to be a stay-at-home mom.

I have a luscious circle of friends and family. Many of whom have watched me shrink and expand for decades. I have maintained a 50 lb loss up until recently....and lately, I'm fallen a bit off the wagon...or at least my feet are dragging. This is my biggest demon...or perhaps, the true dragon lies behind the weight.

Travel, hopes of one day cooking great food, raising a big family, understanding more of the world, reading and retaining more of what I read, being fit and healthy...all are my constant goals.