In the second stage, which begins when the travelers arrive in the new country, everything is new and interesting. The travelers are in a heightened state of emotions, and their moods swing wildly up and down. While they are intensely aware of everything around them, they have no framework into which to put what they see and smell and hear. All their impressions tend to run together, or merge. Travelers at this stage are passive. Yhey watch the inhabitants ot their new land, but they do not join in. They are merely spectators.
Will you please explain the meaning of the bold part?
Thanks