'I'm getting constant stick' over the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 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 flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their house in the north of England.
"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."
Lowered Expectations
Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."
"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she added.