As the emerald-coloured Green Bus Company Service No. 1 embarked on its journey, its wheels carried me on a nostalgic pilgrimage down memory lane and along the iconic Causeway. The bus trundled past familiar landmarks, each evoking a cascade of memories. There was the stately old church where I had been christened, its steeple piercing the sky like an ancient sentinel. The sprawling park where childhood summers had been spent in carefree abandon. The bustling market where my grandmother had haggled over the best mangoes. As the bus approached the Causeway, the landscape transformed into a symphony of blues and greens. The undulating hills of Penang Island disappeared into the horizon, giving way to the vast expanse of the Malacca Strait. The gentle breeze carried the salty tang of the sea, reminding me of long afternoons spent building sandcastles on the golden beaches. The Causeway stretched before us like an umbilical cord connecting Penang to the mainland. As the bus meandered along its length, I gazed out at the rhythmic rise and fall of the waves. Fishing boats bobbed lazily on the water, their brightly painted hulls a splash of colour against the tranquil blue. Memories of childhood adventures flooded my mind. I recalled crab-catching expeditions with my cousins, the thrill of catching the wriggling crustaceans in our nets. I remembered the joy of cycling across the Causeway with my father, the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. As the bus made its way towards the end of the Causeway, I felt a bittersweet pang of nostalgia. The journey had been a nostalgic walk down memory lane, a poignant reminder of the people, places, and experiences that had shaped my life. But it was also a reminder of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The old church had been renovated, the park had been modernised, and the market had given way to a gleaming shopping mall. Yet, amidst the transformations, the Causeway remained an enduring symbol of connection and a timeless reminder of the cherished memories it held.The Kidnapping of Mr. Ong Cheng SiangThe Kidnapping of Mr. Ong Cheng Siang Amidst the bustling streets of Singapore in 1960, a chilling event unfolded that would forever leave a mark on the history of the Green Bus Company. Mr. Ong Cheng Siang, the 44-year-old owner of the company, vanished after dining at the renowned Great World restaurant. His gray Mercedes Benz was discovered abandoned in Chinatown, leading to frantic searches. Days later, a letter arrived at his home, revealing the location of the abandoned car and the kidnappers’ ransom demand of $500,000. Despite the family’s desperate plea for his safety, the kidnappers remained elusive. Nine agonizing days later, after the payment of the ransom, Mr. Ong was released. Dazed and traumatized, he was thrown from a car on Amber Road and made his way back to his workshop. Unraveling the Mystery Police suspected the involvement of a notorious gang led by Oh Kim Kee, who had a history of kidnapping prominent business figures. Oh’s demise in a shootout with police brought some closure to the case, but the true extent of the kidnappers’ motives and the fate of the ransom money remained unknown. A Family’s Legacy Mr. Ong’s grandson, Patrick Ong, believes that the kidnapping may have influenced his chosen profession as a way to safeguard Singapore and his loved ones. He has diligently cataloged his family’s history through photographs and oral accounts, preserving the memory of his grandfather’s ordeal. Through his efforts, the National Heritage Board has acquired photographs related to the Green Bus Company. Patrick is currently digitizing more family memories, intending to pass them on to future generations as a testament to the contributions and resilience of his family. The kidnapping of Mr. Ong Cheng Siang remains an enigmatic chapter in Singapore’s past. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the indomitable spirit of those who persevere in the face of adversity.Venture through time as Green Bus Company Service No. 1 takes you on a nostalgic journey along Causeway Coastal Route. Step aboard and let the rhythmic rumble of the bus transport you to a bygone era. As you traverse the iconic coastal road, witness the grandeur of Carrickfergus Castle, a testament to Ireland’s rich history. The sounds of seagulls mingling with the salty tang of the air create a symphony that evokes memories of summers past. Passing through quaint villages adorned with colorful cottages and bustling towns steeped in heritage, you’ll feel the weight of centuries gently brush against your soul. Listen to the whispers of the past as you gaze upon the majestic ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on a rocky outcrop overlooking the turbulent Atlantic. Each stop along the Causeway offers a glimpse into a captivating tapestry of history and legend. From the ethereal beauty of the Giant’s Causeway, where hexagonal basalt columns rise from the depths of the sea, to the eerie solitude of Mussenden Temple, perched atop a towering cliff, the Causeway Coastal Route is a living testament to the power of nature and human ingenuity. As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the rugged coastline, the journey reaches its crescendo. The bus navigates the breathtaking Antrim Coast Road, offering panoramic views of the shimmering Irish Sea. The air fills with tranquility as the sky transforms into a canvas of golden hues, casting a warm glow upon the surroundings. In the fading light, the ruins of Dunseverick Castle emerge, a haunting reminder of the area’s turbulent past. As the last rays of sunlight disappear beyond the horizon, the bus makes its final stop, leaving you with an unforgettable glimpse into the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.