Reportage Week Five

Its a nice circular building at first glance. Not too small, not too big, and from a distance, unnamed. This is the well where Orvietians retrieved water for ages. For five euro a head you can see it yourself. Feeling like the donkeys that carried Italians, our legs clomp down the cobbled steps, jiggling to maintain stability. Every few steps there's a window built in to check your progress, hold on to the ledge or you might pitch forward and down the 250 steps. A double helix system in steps allows for air circulation so far down, resulting in chilliness. Throw a coin in St. Patrick's well and you might find luck walking back up. The heat and sun hits your face, you make your way out the revolving door, and pitch forward to the water fountain gasping against the history.