'I'm getting constant stick' about the Ashes finishing before I get there.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
That will not be happening this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes 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 psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."
"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We will have a great time regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she added.