For some reason we're always in search of a sweet escape from our lives and from the city. It sounds a bit cliché, but there are in fact places where your levels of stress are reduced to the minimum  and you can see the world for what it is, a wonderful place, again. One of such places for me is Ciudad del Saber in Clayton.

Fort Clayton was a part of the Panama Canal Zone, controlled by the US until 1999. Nowadays, a part of Clayton called Ciudad del Saber (In English City of Knowledge) is the beloved area that promising young companies and start-ups choose to set up their headquarters. It also hosts a University, several schools and many important UN offices and other organisations. In here it's all green, lush and nature. I could make up just about any excuse to come here and wander between gigantic palms and other native trees while I sip on my delicious smoothie made with fresh fruits of Jungle Juice (a family-run business which offers the best juices in La Plaza, totally recommended). My favourite one? I love them all! Although I really liked "very berry" and "tropical rush". Make sure you try their tasty products at La Plaza.

Talking about La Plaza, I have to say I'm in love with the architecture and the idea behind this small food court on a corner of Ciudad del Saber. It is the first Gold certified LEED building in the city, which basically means that it meets all the requirements that make it eco-friendly and sustainable, according to the US Green Building Council. With its innovative design, the layout of La Plaza promotes natural ventilation, hence the sensation of fresh air all around you. It is an example of how architecture designed for tropical countries really makes the difference and should replace the skyscrapers whose air conditioning system must surely consume an enormous amount of energy per day.

Nonetheless, there is something else I must mention. It is hard to believe how difficult it was to regain sovereignty of the Canal Zone territories. If you think of how many generations fought and how long it took until these areas belonged once again to the original and rightful owners, you'd be surprised to find out Ciudad del Saber is not even on the mind map of many Panamanians. With all the green spaces where you could just go and have a picknick or take a walk, Ciudad del Saber is not as visited as it should be.

So, here's my message to everyone out there. Go and enjoy your green spaces! Take advantage of what your grandma and grandpa could never see with their eyes, because of the historic situation they had to live. But remember not to litter. Take all what you consume back home or to the nearest trash can and don't spoil the beauty of this area.

We Panamanians are so lucky to have the jungle at our feet, with plenty of green areas and a large variety of activities we can undertake. Let's discover and enjoy what surrounds us and what makes our city unique. In the end, it's all what we really have.

Near the recycling station of Ciudad del Saber. It's still a small initiative, but it exists and it works. Hopefully it turns into a habit for Panamanians.

Parque de los lagos, Ciudad del Saber.

Parque de los lagos, Ciudad del Saber. Love the typical Zonian architecture of the buildings all around this park.

No one around on a Sunday morning except for us.

Parque de los lagos, Ciudad del Saber.

Parque de los lagos, the beautiful park with ponds on a Sunday morning.

La Plaza de Ciudad del Saber.

Even skaters come and hang out in the park.

Taken during the preps for the last concert of the Panama Jazz Festival in January.

Sunset over the Panama Canal and Ciudad del Saber.

Best friends are the best company. With Giuseppina.