"was" question

[Aikuzo]

But you must remember that two years ago the two main characters hadn't met, which was surprising when you consider the proximity of Andrew's cottage and Sally's flat.

Isn't that suppose to be "is", because the event "which was surprising" still applies at the present and is kind of timeless as far as I could see.
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I quit studying English years ago and have just come back to study the basics.

[Cerberus™]

Agreed, it may be timeless, since it was surprising and is still so; but that only means it can be in either present or past: both are correct.