a high-tech way to flirt

My friend Farhan once quipped "there's always time for romance." This, despite his busy life and impossible schedule as a medical resident.

I smile when I think of the ways that love and romance surmount even the most difficult of barriers — in this case, Saudi Arabia's cultural and religious norms:

Bluetooth gives segregated sexes a way to reach out, discreetly
The restaurant, like all Riyadh eateries, has taken precautions to prevent its male and female diners from seeing or contacting each other.

Circular white walls surround each table in the family section, open only to women alone or women accompanied by close male relatives. Other male diners are on lower floors.

Yet despite the barriers, the men and women flirt and exchange phone numbers, photos and kisses.