'People keep ribbing me' regarding the Ashes being over prior to my arrival.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.
That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."
"There is going to have to be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.