Like much of Monnickendam, and indeed almost all Dutch seaside settlements, the village is, if not below sea-level, almost invisible from the water, on account of an obliterating dyke.

At the Helder one can consider the rampart reasonable, but here, where there is no foe but the Zuyder Zee, it may seem fantastic.

If we lived there in winter, however, the precaution would soon be justified, for the Zuyder Zee can on occasion roar like a lion.

It is odd to reflect that Volendam, Monnickendam and Marken may become ordinary inland hamlets in the midst of green fields if the great scheme for draining the Zuyder Zee is carried through.
If the people and village of Volendam are to be described in a phrase, they may be called better Markeners in a better Marken.

The decoration of the pointed red-roofed houses is similar; there is the same prevailing and very ingratiating passion for blue Delft--and a very beautiful blue too; the clothes of the men and women have a family resemblance.