This amazing journey called life!: Same-same ... but different!

The Vietnamese vendors, when comparing their wares, always say, "same-same!" Is this one jade? "Same-same!" Is it made in Vietnam? "Same-same". It this marble also? "Same-same" with an all-inclusive wave of the hand. Mm-Hmm ... same-same, but different. After multiple trips to many foreign countries, "same-same but different" has become a family by-word we chuckle over, while realizing that "same-same" really is "same-same" the world over.
The Atlantic Ocean which splashes on the west coast of Senegal, Africa, and displays its sunset, also carries the sunrise over the Eastern United States. The turbulent Pacific which crashes over the rocks of Oregon caresses the shores of Samoa. On the NORTH shore of the peninsula that is Santa Elena, Ecuador, palm trees wave in a balmy breeze as the gently lapping waves of the Pacific paint the exotically picturesque and tranquil scene that beckons tourists by the droves to the sandy beaches of Salinas.
But a short couple of miles away, on the SOUTH beaches of the peninsula ... ahhh ... same-same, but different! THIS is the Pacific Ocean that I KNOW. The Pacific of my native Northwest United States, with tumultuous waves cascading over rocks, with signs that say ... well see for yourself in the pictures. Same-same, but different; this isn't Oregon, Dorothy! The warning signs in Oregon are more officious ... or ... legal or something. Here, plain and simple. Don't do it, dummy! Same-same, but different!

A little smaller than the Lighthouses we see in
Oregon ... same-same, but different

Salinas and La Milina are on this Peninsula; La Chocolatera
is the most Westerly point in Ecuador, and is so-named for the dark sands which color the waves.