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Dome, the 8,842 foot peak that is the most well known in
the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the vacationers
lounging in the Awahnee, Yosemite's luxury hotel.

While it appears to be mostly comprised of wood, the
Awahnee is primarily made of concrete and stone in order
to prevent the building from perishing in fire as previous
hotels in Yosemite Valley have. Though the Native
American-inspired art and enormous stained glass
windows cause many visitors to wander around the
building, mouths agape, the most impressive element of
the Awahnee is the dining room. In keeping with the rest
of the first floor, large windows provide a breathtaking
view as diners mull over the vast array of dining choices,
including both succulent hamburgers and vegan dishes
such as tofu tikka masala. While even the most disheveled
hiker can amble into the dining room for breakfast or
lunch, semi-formal attire is required in order to dine
during dinnertime hours.

Despite the contrast between slacks and sweatpants
worn by visitors to Yosemite, travelling from the majestic
Awahnee and rugged mountains is surprisingly easy. The
shuttle system, with stops sprinkled throughout the
valley, is so simple and modernized that it is often jarring
to step out of the bus and onto a sheet of ice rather than a
crowded city sidewalk.

Waves of tourists spill in and out of the buses at each
stop. There are tour groups like mine with masses of
wide-eyed students travelling in packs and clutching maps
of the area, and seasoned skiers and outdoor enthusiasts
give helpful advice to those who scratch their heads in
confusion. Both honeymooning and retired couples cuddle
as they wait to experience the mountains together. Young
moms hold the hands of their children as they exit to
prevent slipping on ice as frostbitten travelers scuttle by

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