In 1995, I made my first trip to Tampere, Finland.

I was supposed to be there for three weeks, and everything I had read about Finland made be nervous - cold weather, quiet people who get agressive when drunk, alien language, expensive, modern but not cosmopolitan.

After three airplane flights and thirty hours travel time, I arrived at the Sokos Hotel Ilves on a Sunday evening. Requested a corner room on high floor.

Got to the room, opened the curtain, and took in the view.

To my delight, across the street is a building with a sign "Bangkok Cafe". I was so happy, that I was actually jumping up and down!

The next day, I finished my work early, got to the hotel, took a nap, freshened up, and headed across the street.

The building housed many stores, but all the entrances were in the back via the parking lot.

Walked around to the back, and saw several doors, some with stairs. Climbed the stairs to the door marked Bangkok Cafe, opened the door.

A small entryhall, a desk, and a man sitting behind it.

I scanned the room quickly, then said, "Pardon me, is this the Bangkok Cafe?"

Man: "Yes"

Me: "Is this a Thai restaurant?"

Man: "No, it is a strip club"

Me: "Why is it called Bangkok Cafe?"

Man: "We have Thai girls here"

Me: "Oh. Ummm, is there a Thai restaurant in Tampere?"

Man: "No, but if you buy a girl for the night, maybe she will cook for you".