Yeah - great report. As you say, Salvia's unlike anything else - nothing has transported me so completely into a complete other realm.
However, in my experience, opening or keeping the eyes open doesn't necessarily diminish the experience.
One of my earliest experiences had me instantly transported to a quay-side, complete with river/sea, boats, seagulls, etc., and I ended up wandering around my flat (apartment for you in the US of A!) trying to find who it was that was speaking to me from behind a warehouse - like others here, I reckon staying sitting when smoking Salvia is probably the wisest course!
Another time, on a much lower dosage, the experience was more in the acid realm, with my partner's face gradually morphing into the most beautiful of fish-faces - the inspiration for my username!
Take care - don't mess with this stuff, it does have a viscious way reminding you that it's not a toy - oh, and finally folks, be careful with your bong/pipe, as it does come on extremely quickly and I have heard of folk setting fire to their clothes or furnishings - what the hell that was like while tripping on Salvia I can't even begin to imagine!