It’s always fun when you get to meet Internet friends in real life. So many blanks are filled in and the person is rounded out for you, no longer just “some guy on Twitter” or “that girl from Instagram.” A few weeks ago, Internet friend of ours, photographer, Instagram celebrity, and Desktop Wallpaper alumnus Paul Octavious was out West vacationing, traveling up and down the California coastline. Luckily for us, we got to meet up with him one of the nights we were in town from Chicago and realized–duh–we had to hear his thoughts on California, specifically Los Angeles. Check out his thoughts (which include a huge love of tacos) after the jump along with a few photos from his trek out West.

What brings you to Los Angeles?
Just visiting some friends I haven’t seen In a while. A week before this trip, I was visiting San Francisco and a friend and I decided to drive down to Los Angeles. It gave us a reason not only to see great friends but to drive down beautiful Highway 1. By the way, Highway 1 is absolutely photoshopped.

What neighborhood did you stay in? What were your thoughts on that part of town?
I stayed in the Venice area and I had a great time over there. The boardwalk was very very interesting I must say. I think we went to two different parts of the boardwalk because one side was just out of control sensory overload which had clowns, fun houses, and drum circles. Then the 2 days later we went to another side which was calm, had piers with nice outdoor spaces to eat, and surfers. I found it all amazing.

How many times have you visited Los Angeles? What do you think of the city?
I have been to L.A. about 8 to 10 times. It’s such an interesting city to me. I come from a city where I don’t have to drive and tacos are $3. Here you have to drive and tacos are $1. I guess you have to give and take.

What was the best part of your trip?
My visit this time around to L.A. was very laid back. The more I visit a city the more I like to feel like a local and like to keep it mellow. So the best part of this trip was discovering a $1 taco from a food truck named TACOZONE in Silverlake. Also the fact that people can nonchalantly point to an avocado and blood orange trees in their backyard.

Could you see yourself living here?
At the moment no. I like living without a car and good public transportation. Here I would need a car desperately and the public transportation is nonexistent. However, and I must come back to those $1 dollar tacos, they did make me reconsider.

This is actually funny: Paul is one of four people who we know that have recently visited Los Angeles and couldn’t stop talking about tacos. Are tacos in other cities really that bad/that expensive? Guess we’re spoiled here! In any event, get more on Paul on his website, give him a follow on Twitter, and be sure to find him on Instagram under “Pauloctavious.”