A tale of the mediaeval town began with an intriguing trip about a decade ago.

The destination was the long-forgotten town in Amhara Regional State, lest a rich history as a seat for the Shoan dynasty and a trade route along the east-west crossroads: Ankober Palace.

I was fortunate to experience firsthand the aesthetics of the town and its enthralling history through the expedition organised by 'Keep Fit', a UNECA staff health club, with nearly 80 passengers of diverse origins.

As the bus traversed the winding highway, the scenery of rural Ethiopia unfolded. It was the farthest north I have travelled. I noted a reminder of the importance of taking a break from the chaos of city life and appreciating the tranquilly of the natural world.

While in transit, we reposed at Debre Berhan town. It is known for the famous alcoholic drink Areqe and textile industry producing high-quality woollen blankets from locally bred sheep. For a place distinct to have a cold highland climate sitting at an altitude of 2,800mt, it embraced us with relatively warm weather.

The bus made a stop at Getva Hotel, owned by the long-distance runner, Getie Wami, as a launch pad for the treacherous gravel road ahead. The delicious meal lived up to the Hotel's reputation amid the aroma of roasted coffee beans and the enchanting scents of incense and myrrh.

As we resumed the journey, I witnessed the negative impact of eucalyptus trees on the environment, with depleted soil and limited access to groundwater. Farming in the area still relied heavily on seasonal rainfall.

Eventually, we arrived at the base of Ankober Palace, 175Km away from the capital. The hike to climb up the hill was a challenging yet rewarding experience, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals and their impressive physical abilities. I still recall a young woman carrying a bag of grains, looking back compassionately at our miserable faces and the rolls of sweat on our foreheads on a steep climb. Once she was sure we had reached the top, she climbed the hill with superhuman agility and speed while still carrying about 25–30Kg.

Despite the physical toll it took on us, the exceptional adventure was filled with breathtaking views and encounters with the locals who effortlessly navigated the terrain while we struggled to keep up. It was a reminder of the physical limitations that come with living a sedentary lifestyle in the city.

The famed Ankober Palace & Lodge was perched at the foothill. A welcome squad provided us with wooden walking canes, signalling continuance. That only added to our sense of trepidation, but determination was the ultimate driving force. In spite of our initial apprehension, we took on the challenge and began our ascent up the hill towards the lodge. Turning back was no option while we were close to our destination. We bravely set out on what would prove to be the most challenging part of the adventure as the experience brought us closer together.