mentira

Hey Guys,

So before I ask you my questions, I'm going to give a little back ground information on myself. In three weeks I am going to Europe for seven months, and I plan on staying in England, France, Germany, Spain, Protugal, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. I will be taking my 75 liter pack with me, and my digital camera and mp3. I have gone to Europe once before on a school trip, where we spent most of our time in Malaga Spain living with a homestay family. I loved the experience, but this time; with the exception of Malaga, I will be staying in hostels. I have never stayed in a hostel before, and I have never had to live out of a backpack, and I have never been away from home for more than a month, so I am a very very extreme newbie to this. I'm used to having my own room, a shower when I feel like it, etc,etc, but I know this will be a good experiene.

Anyways, I just wanted to illustrate my situation, now onto the questions.

1. I will only be staying in single sex dorms, for those with experience, did you feel safe when you were staying in your hostel..
2. My hostels have lockers, what tips can you give me on security though?
3. How did you get to know people/get involved? I like being on my own, but that can only last a person to a certain extent.
4. How were the showers? Lol :D
5. Any other newbie tips?

Thanks in advance!