[vagabond]

Hi, I've got a chance to spend a few weeks in Brazil this September. I was thinking about spending a week in Rio, then heading up north to Salavador, Fortaleza, and maybe a few days in the Amazon. I'm trying to mix up my interests in nightlife, surfing and the outdoors. I know a lot of guys on this forum have been there. Any thoughts? Will the fact that its winter have much of an effect up North? How important is it to know Portugese (I don't know any right now)? One of my friends has been there 4 times and says I might not come back, but wanted to get some other opinions as well. Thanks,