I could not help but notice the lush vegetation from the Addisu Gebeya area in the direction of the Sululta highlands on the outskirt of Addis Abeba. It was as I went out of the Sheger radio station after a personal errand one bright sunny afternoon.

I was unable to resist the mountain call, so I embarked on a steep drive on a picturesque highway along the winding mountain road. The snaking road with dense forest on both ends leaving the city behind welcomed a gust of fresh air through my car window.

My excitement to keep driving could not be contained by the light traffic on the asphalt road. I ventured higher into the hills. My adrenaline spiked as the adventure drive continued in the ideal road conditions.

The smooth ride came to an abrupt end following the long line at a checkpoint for vehicles leaving the city. The congested road led to a sudden change in my appetite for adventure. I was stuck in a traffic jam with no way of turning back as incoming traffic behind me piled up with the road congested in both directions.

I reassessed the plans and found a church gate covered in dense forest. I thought to myself that it seemed worth exploring; parked at the gate and went on a hike aided by nearby vehicles, before moving to a pebble-filled parking spot.

The forest happens to be adjacent to the Gullele Botanic Garden, which is open to the public. Bewildered by the absence of people, my heightened sense of adventure encouraged continuity.

The cobblestone road is off-limits to motor traffic preventing the nose and air pollution associated with cars. The aroma from indigenous trees, shrubs and flowers coupled with the freshness of the air clearly owes to the extensive coverage of the area by foliage generously infusing the air with oxygen.

A 20-minute trek led to a small entrance gate at Arsema Monastery, surrounded by trees. The walls were covered in branches, hindering clear vision. In a small gorge, I saw the distinct figure of a hermit clad in a traditional yellow robe surrounded by wind-moving tree branches.

I proceeded further down the cobbled path and came across a few people from time to time from the direction of the forest. I saw a deserted cobblestone roundabout with a placard showing "not allowed except for employees" of the botanic garden. It was then that I realized the path I took is the part that was open to the public and a wrong turn would constitute a trespass.

Despite the mesmerising beauty of the forest, I felt uneasy to trek alone. I encounter a modern red brick house, but the cobblestone road returns to the thick forest, and no one is in sight. The pragmatic thoughts on safety become evident considering the countryside's more dangerous and crime-ridden nature. In "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches," Sherlock Holmes explains that the isolated houses in the countryside are more likely to commit crimes due to their impunity.

Halfway into the forest, an elderly couple in traditional white robes informed me that the Kidane Mihret church was close by five minutes, based on previous estimates. l remained determined, gathered willpower and continued walking, unsure of the time needed to reach the destination.

I rested on one of the stools in the compound and started to take in the scenic views.