'People keep ribbing me' over the series finishing prior to my arrival.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.
That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for 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 travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility 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 supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."
"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," she added.