I interpreted that the Italian fined you because you got on the train without making a reservation!

Well, I technically made the reservation, but the lack of connection meant the payment wasn't going through. I think the officer should understand that situation and be more lenient, especially to tourists who don't understand the system... to me, paying on the train is a legal and acceptable thing to do! Oh well.

China's beaches have worse natural environments

I saw some in Xiamen that had huge elevated highways over them lol (I was in a taxi above them)

There are some nice beach-ey areas but I'd never step foot in the water, absolutely.

Glad you are tagging along to hear more! I used to live in Vietnam so I have a near-China perspective too =)