For instance, all of the trails on the island have signs every 100 meters (that's about 328 feet, which is a little longer than a football field), so understanding the metric system is important for navigation. The United States is one of the only countries that measures temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, so it's been difficult describing the average temperatures of my hometown to my Panamanian and European colleagues. Unlike distance and volume measurements, it's difficult to convert temperature measurements in my head, so I often have to use an online calculator to help me out.
Even though I've had to adjust to speaking a different language, dealing with new bugs and measuring in different units, adjusting to island life hasn't been too hard. I'm lucky to be surrounded by like-minded people: scientists who also love nature and are excited to talk with me about their research. Because most people on the island only live here for a few weeks or months at a time, newcomers are welcomed enthusiastically. Everyone remembers their first day on the island, and no one wants anyone to feel left out! As I start to see new faces at the dining hall, I make sure to offer them a seat next to me. That's the kindness that made me feel at home on Barro Colorado Island so quickly.
