The Golden Age of Travel celebrated in local author’s latest tale
Julie Tulba’s fourth novel spans both world wars and proceeds into the 1990s, taking along for the ride those with an interest in The Golden Age of Travel.
Tulba’s “Last Call, Cairo,” which is a work of historical fiction set in Egypt, is the result of Tulba’s 2022 river cruise in that country.
Her second and third books, “The Auschwitz Photograph” and “Red Clay Ashes” were based on her trips to Berlin and Vietnam, respectively.
“I know that not everyone has the means or time to be able to travel abroad, so that’s why I love bringing places and periods from the past alive through my books,” Tulba said. “I think my writing is all the more authentic when I’ve actually been to the places I’m writing about, something I as a reader appreciate, too.”
The trip that inspired “Last Call, Cairo” began in Cairo, then Tulba flew south to Luxor, which was a popular destination during The Golden Age of Travel, which was between 1830 and 1955.
She embarked on her cruise in Luxor and sailed for five days.
In June, Tulba visited Jordan, her 40th country. The trip accomplished her goal of traveling to 40 countries before turning 40 years old.
Tulba, who lives just over the Butler County border with Allegheny County, typically travels alone.
“When I went to Jordan in June, I went with my mom, but I was very much the tour guide, and she was very much the participant,” Tulba said.
“Last Call, Cairo” starts before World War I, recommences after the war and proceeds into World War II, when the British had a presence in Egypt. It ends decades later in the 1990s.
“It’s three separate eras, but very much tied together in part three,” she said.
The book’s length is about 300 pages for all three parts, and is now available on Amazon and at local bookstores.
