'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes finishing prior to my arrival.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.
However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.
Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good right now."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be our first experience away from home over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," she finished.