'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes concluding before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan desire?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are four such fans.
The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.
However, the group said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."
"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Obviously it is a let-down 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 our first experience traveling at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," she added.
