clink

The incongruous scene, with veiled women clinking glasses, signals the changes under way and in the conservative kingdom, home to Islam's holiest sites, as deep-seated taboos are gently prodded.

There might be subtle signs she has a boyfriend, like the back of a head, or two clinking wine glasses at dinner, but the 24-year-old says she has no intention of posting his face.

Just the clink of glasses and the shuffle of a waiter’s shoes.

It’s always pleasantly full, but never chaotic — a low hum of conversation, the clink of glassware, a faint echo of Edith Piaf from the speakers.

We clinked our glasses of sparkling water — our drink of choice these days — and marveled at how far we’ve come.