Why South East Asia?

South East Asia (SEA) has always been a big unknown to me. Kathleen has always wanted to visit Thailand because friends said they had a wonderful time there but for me it was sort of like - well Regina in winter(you need a really good reason to want to go).  Why go there?   It is hot and humid (SEA, not Regina in winter) and poor. My impression was lots of bugs and nasty animals and not a lot of history or spectacular sights.   My principle exposure was the "King and I" and my reading about WW2.   That is how I felt anyway but when the chance came to go I started learning.

Our daughter suggested we watch the movie "Entrapment" as it takes place mainly in Kuala Lumpur, our first stop on the SEA trip.  It was quite an eye opener as we found out that the Petronas Towers featured in the film were up until a short time ago the tallest buildings in the world and are still the tallest twin buildings.

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

It was fun to see Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones hanging by their fingernails from the bridge between the towers but I don't think we will try that.   My mental image of Malaysia got a major adjustment and I haven't even been there yet.  But it is hot - the high today was 34 with 90% humidity (feels like 46).   This is going to be quite an experience.

Here is a brief itineray
Leave Toronto 24 Sep.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 26 Sep. to 4 Oct.
Laoag, Philippines 6 to 18 Oct.
Manila, Philippines 19 to 21 Oct.
Chiang Mai, Thailand 23 Oct. to 11 Nov.
Bangkok, Thailand  12 Nov. to 15 Nov.
Back to Toronto 15 Nov.

There are several stops in Hong Kong while in transit between the various cities.

P.S.  3/4 of the way through the film we realized we had already seen it but it was worth a re-watch.