mangojuice

Hey,
I just came back home from visiting with my friend in Phoenix (what she calls the hottest armpit in hell)...She was telling me some of her concerns about my solo travels beginning next month. I will be going to northern Italy, budapest, Prague, and maybe somewhere else. Monica (my friend) basically was just telling me that she was concerned about my safety. I am a shy, somewhat "meek" (as she puts it), and not intimidating in the least bit (5 foot 1, heh). How concerned should I be? What precautions should I take? are there any hints/tips that other solo travelers suggest? Is it weird to go into a bar by yourself (a question she posed to me)?

I am also anxious about the hostel situation. How friendly do fellow hostellers tend to be? I will be alone, and am pretty shy, like I have already said (except when drinking).

Another friend said (and I'm not too worried about this, considering that he's not the biggest traveler in the world) that he just thinks that I am going to be bored. I like to do many different types of things (occasional museums, clubs, bars, shopping, people-watching. Did any of you find yourself bored out of your mind?

I understand their concerns, especially about the safety issue, and basically just would like to know, from other peoples' experiences, what I should watch out for, or how much I should worry.

Thanks