Just wondering if anyone knows what the weather is usually like (or will be like) in southern Germany and Austria during late December.

You never know. I've been to Munich and the Alps three different Decembers. Last year, locals described it as a Bavarian Spring -- 40-60s, sunshine and beautiful. Other times, its been in the 20-30s with light rain. During every visit, I had a great time.

Dear Ms Malik, <BR> <BR>I'm afraid I'm no help on language. <BR> <BR>The Blue Guide and the Lonley Planet guide to the Czech and Slovak Republics give some detail. <BR> <BR>I know three useful web sites: <BR> <BR>Links to web sites, from a museum of Czech and Slovak matters: http://www.ncsml.org/links.htm <BR> <BR>Art, architecture, food, cultural experiences, hiking and other matters. http://www.centraleurope.com/country/country.php3 <BR> <BR>And if you go ino http://www.ssees.ac.uk, then to the pages for Slovakia, you may find some items that you'll enjoy. <BR> <BR>I go to Slovakia every year or every second year, and always take some ten dollars worth of curency in with me for buying coffee and so on before I find a cash dispenser (ATM). No customs person ever asked me what money I had. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to Europe. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR>

Dear Ms Malik, <BR> <BR>I'm afraid I'm no help on language. <BR> <BR>The Blue Guide and the Lonley Planet guide to the Czech and Slovak Republics give some detail. <BR> <BR>I know three useful web sites: <BR> <BR>Links to web sites, from a museum of Czech and Slovak matters: http://www.ncsml.org/links.htm <BR> <BR>Art, architecture, food, cultural experiences, hiking and other matters. http://www.centraleurope.com/country/country.php3 <BR> <BR>And if you go ino http://www.ssees.ac.uk, then to the pages for Slovakia, you may find some items that you'll enjoy. <BR> <BR>I go to Slovakia every year or every second year, and always take some ten dollars worth of curency in with me for buying coffee and so on before I find a cash dispenser (ATM). No customs person ever asked me what money I had. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help further. Your parents are welcome back to Europe. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR>

It is very cold (might be down to -15 Celsius) and there is a lot of snow.