'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for English supporters.
However, the group 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 alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
The Remaining Matches
When questioned if he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Naturally, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount by now."
"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."
An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.