I just returned from a few days in Belgium. It was my first time visiting the country, and I must say I really enjoyed the two cities I visited, Brussels and Antwerp. In fact, I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed the country; I didn’t have any real expectations, just a checklist of foods to try, before the visit, so I was pleasantly surprised when my expectations were somehow exceeded.

There’s much to say about the country and its efforts to bounce back from terrorist attacks earlier this year. Global Traveler will take a closer look at issues of safety at both the airport and in the country in 2017 articles, but I will say I noticed enhanced levels of security and an amped security presence during my entire visit, and I felt safe and comfortable while there.

In both cities, I started my discovery with a guided walking tour to acquaint myself with the unfamiliar surroundings. In Brussels I took time to further explore the Magritte Museum and the BELvue Museum, sip on lambic beers at Moeder Lambic and explore chocolate making with Laurent Gerbaud. In Antwerp I indulged in a massage at Hotel Julien; learned more about the history of beer making at De Koninck, Antwerp’s oldest brewery; shopped; and perused M HKA, Antwerp’s modern art museum.

Of course, I had to indulge in some of Belgium’s finest products, aside from the beer and chocolate, which I already touched on. Lots of frites were consumed, but I particularly enjoyed those paired with mussels at De Herk in Antwerp. And I refused to leave without sampling a waffle. I opted for the Liege-style waffle at Desire de Lille. I must say, it was a particularly tasty trip!

— Kimberly Krol, editor in chief