Rabat – American talk show host Oprah Winfrey shared on Sunday a heartfelt and inspiring account of her two-day visit to the vibrant red city of Marrakech, Morocco.
In an article published on her website, Oprah Daily, she recounted her enriching experiences, including a memorable encounter with a young hotel butler named Mehdi, who left a lasting “heart print” on her soul.
The renowned philanthropist expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she and her daughter-girl, Liliane, received during their stay at the Amanjena Hotel. Oprah spoke fondly of Mehdi, the dedicated and attentive private butler, who provided “impeccable” service and a glimpse into genuine Moroccan hospitality.
Oprah at a communal market in Marrakech
“My stay there at the Amanjena was exquisite. I’ve got to tell you, it is a lovely hotel that was enhanced by the services of a private butler named Mehdi. Ah, Mehdi. My eyes water when I think of him,” Oprah wrote.
Upon their return to their two-bedroom “glorious” suite, Oprah and Liliane were met with a heartwarming surprise, meticulously organized by Mehdi himself. The room was adorned with candles and flowers, forming the message, “We love you, Oprah.”
Mehdi told Oprah: “It’s a small thing we do. But I wanted you to know how I and the staff feel about you being here. It’s a small thing, ma’am, but we hope you can feel it.”
The gesture left a profound impact on Oprah, evoking emotions of gratitude and humility.
Read also: Music, Rug Making and Food: Oprah Mesmerized by Marrakech Vibes
“And boy, did I feel it. Not only did I hear his words, I felt his heart. I received it so fully, it expanded my own heart,” she commented on Mehdi’s gesture.
Oprah trying Moroccan traditional food
She went on to express her deep connection to Mehdi’s heartfelt gesture, which transcended language barriers and cultural differences.
“It was such a gratifying, humbling moment for me that there on the other side of the world, in a world so different from my own, this young man, who’s 28, would go out of his way to do something so kind, so generous. A small thing, he said, that left a big impression—a forever heart print—on me,” she explained.
Moved by Mehdi’s gesture, Oprah reflected on the concept of leaving “heart prints” for others as a profound impact beyond mere acts of kindness. She pondered how she could match Mehdi’s spirit of generosity and make a difference in the lives of others.
Oprah dancing to Moroccan music
“How do I do that for somebody else? How do I leave someone with a heart print? Not just an act of kindness,” Oprah questioned, inviting her readers to contemplate the same thought and share their own “Mehdi moments.”
Beyond her memorable experience with Mehdi, the television star had the opportunity to explore Marrakech’s wonders and immerse herself in Moroccan beauty and culture.
“I spent two beautiful days in Marrakech, Morocco, which wasn’t enough time to experience so much magnificent culture,” Oprah said on Instagram, sharing a video of her dancing to traditional Moroccan music with a local band.
