Neither of them is prepared for the number and variety of aliens they encounter, but mostly the crowd is just that: a background flow of travelers and tourists, some in a hurry to move on and some who came just to stare.  The glowing walls and brightly lit water make a deeper impression, and Ash takes pictures for everyone back home.

They can't stay, but Z makes sure they squeeze a lot into those few hours.  He advises them on safe travel and citizenship, and how to do their research and make reasonable trades.  By the end of the night, Ash thinks they might be able to fit in out here after all.